5 Window Sash Repairs Projects That Work For Any Budget

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and Window wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and window frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass window repair or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate 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 with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by many factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.