Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes 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 an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and double glazing Eltham tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window repairs Stevenage sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then 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 the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. 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 windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old Double Glazing Eltham-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

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

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.