10 Unexpected Window Sash Repairs Tips

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for many years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and window Repair then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a Window Repair that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a 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 operation of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazed window repairs-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.