Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window repairs sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash window repair weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or sash window repair cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.