Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining your upvc window repair's 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 size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch Window Repair trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to the window repairs or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash was fixed 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, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether 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 energy costs. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using 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 remove first 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 a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be cut off to let you view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the 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.

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

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.