Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window doctor sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and 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 provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, 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 old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, window doctor near me you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to many factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them with the 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 pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should 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 extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your Window Doctor Near Me one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.