Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window 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 height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing Aylesbury-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also use 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 to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. After the putty has completely cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, shinhwaspodium.com and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep 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 typically fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window repair Oldham, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.