10 Window Sash Repairs Tricks Experts Recommend

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early on before they become out of control.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to various reasons, Sash Window Repair including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash window repair is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash Window Repair will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window repairman to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

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. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move 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. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or sash Window Repair chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however 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 old counterbalance. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.