Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become too much.

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

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. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window repairs near me that won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue can be due to various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need 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.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise 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 need to be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It is important to take your time because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or window repairs cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.