Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues in the early stages before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or Window Sash Repairs normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your upvc windows repairs back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or window sash Repairs simply to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as «tie rails») out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.