10 Strategies To Build Your Window Sash Repairs Empire

Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the Window Repair's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass window repair's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.

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

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a 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 ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs 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 utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and Window repair then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less 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 at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.