Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are 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 can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. 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). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double glazing-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, repairmywindowsanddoors you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch upvc window repairs trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can 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 remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides 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, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open, 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 attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.