Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repair repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window repair near me sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable window sash using rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be 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 is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using 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 have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung Window Repair the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is 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 take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

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

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.