10 Healthy Window Sash Repairs Habits

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing double glazed windows windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin 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 you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, 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 it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues, Sash Window Repair it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

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

In order to make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash window repair and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

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

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, Sash window Repair but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and fix it using the step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. 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 of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.