Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window repairs trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. 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 from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or upvc window repairs that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit 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 opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed 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, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

To make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length 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. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

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

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and must be removed. 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 removing the access panel, you can begin to work 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 stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.