window Repair Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and window repair the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double glazed window repairs-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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 on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is crucial 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 allow you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable window sash using rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as 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, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each component. The sash should move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can employ 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's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.