Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become too much.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash Repair My Windows And Doors experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start 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). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, repair my windows and Doors remove the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards 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 usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.