Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

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

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

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured 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 holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem 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 beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your upvc window repairs near me sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. 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.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced 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 will keep it in its place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.