Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become too much.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if it solves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or pvc window Repairs mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash window Repair is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called «tie rails») out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. 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 original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.