10 Unexpected Window Sash Repairs Tips

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

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

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to 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 you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, window repairs you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the upvc window repairs. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, window repairs and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window repair, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.