Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for Window Sash Repairs mold, Window Sash Repairs mildew and damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degraded in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window 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 you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your 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 will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't coated. This problem could be caused by many factors 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 then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. 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).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing window repairs-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within 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 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. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with a 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. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on the components. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

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

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.