The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your local window repair and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash Window repair and mark its width and height so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch local window repair trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. 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 it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure 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).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove 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 glue. Remove the old sash, and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want 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 weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and sash Window repair tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.