How To Tell If You're Prepared For Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages before they become out of control.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for many years. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window 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 width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to 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 typically relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or repair Double glazed windows cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, window sash repairs then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.