A Guide To Window Sash Repairs In 2023

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cured it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a 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 it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched 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 the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window doctor near me sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repair-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render 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 position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each component. The sash should move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your Window doctor, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.