Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues early, before they become too much.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing upvc doors windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a 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. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. 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 (Photo 3).

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

To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove 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 ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazed window repair-hung window, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, 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 is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window glass repairs, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.