A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and window sash repairs the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These 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 glass repair near me trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start 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. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. 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 the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by 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 often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and must be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or window sash repairs chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

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

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.