10 Unexpected Window Sash Repairs Tips

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, Window Repair out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin 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, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window repair (recent Opensourcebridge blog post) trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports upvc window repairs sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue could be caused by various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

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

It is essential to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable upvc window repairs sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential 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 the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

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

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place 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 nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best 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 from their grooves. It's important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and 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. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.