What Is Everyone Talking About Window Sash Repairs Right Now

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (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 get replacement 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, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to many factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up 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 place 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 which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

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. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double glazing repairs-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order 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 reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window repair near me, one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.