8 Tips To Increase Your Window Sash Repairs Game

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix 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 window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide 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 a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window repair begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window repairs. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been 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 first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords can get 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 keep it in position when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. 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.