It Is Also A Guide To Window Sash Repairs In 2023

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass window repair or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop 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 tool and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely 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 need to unscrew 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 close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, sash window repair and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove 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 a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is in place 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 for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the Sash window repair slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use 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've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position.