What Window Sash Repairs Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. They can, Sash Window Repair however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much 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. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, start 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 width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. After the putty has completely cured it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely the Sash Window Repair balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window repairs sashes must move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame 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, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash 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 components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail 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 old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash window repair upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

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

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.