7 Useful Tips For Making The Greatest Use Of Your Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass window repair's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing 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 open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash 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 an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and Window repair then remove it from the window repair. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and window repair connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays 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 into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and fix it using Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.