Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

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

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a upvc door repairs near me or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for window repairs parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a 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 accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing repairs near me-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when 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 must be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.