10 Unexpected Window Sash Repairs Tips

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early before they become too much.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time 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. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double glazing repair-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and Upvc Window Repairs give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely the sash balance. You'll need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. 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 the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing repair-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oil 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 at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.