Five Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Pros

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window 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. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs (recent fpcom.co.kr blog post) is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by various reasons, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly 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 location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazed window repairs-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or Window Repairs screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.