Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash Window repair using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for upvc window repairs near me sashes to move open and shut without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to ensure that the windows repair are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or Sash window Repair repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.