Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on before they become too much.

The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair doors experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass repairs (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them 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.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of 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 can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by many factors such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find 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 new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped 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 you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazed repairs-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.