Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or 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 width and Window repair height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the 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 a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or Window Sash Repairs a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or Window Sash Repairs an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinges on a window sash repairs begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured 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, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional 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 older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.