10 Window Sash Repairs Tricks All Experts Recommend

Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double glazing repairs near me (click through the following article)-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door repair that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that solves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when 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 need to be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.