Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window repair near me sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, Window Sash Repairs apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue could be caused by many factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding 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 used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels 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 on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.