15 Inspiring Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You Never Knew

Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could lead to a door repair (just click the following page) or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve 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 to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double glazing repairs near me-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.