Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. However, sash repair double glazing windows experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

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

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.