Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on, before they become out of control.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of 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 if they are properly maintained. However, window repair they can be damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair timber windows sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by many factors that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window Repair are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve 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 was attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.