The Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back 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. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass window repair or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and allow it to dry for 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 fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and Window Sash Repairs closed with very little effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

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 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 can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows repair the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails 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 have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.