Window Sash Repairs

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

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window repairs Camden Town. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used 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 mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old Double Glazing Repairs Mile End-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is 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 require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and Double Glazing Repairs Mile End pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and double Glazing repairs mile end then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.