Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start 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). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a upvc repair window repairs - click through the next article - are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into 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. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.

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 is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing-hung window, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold 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 installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.