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Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. 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 require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail 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 most old double glazing repairs-hung window, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible 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 position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and Window Repairs require removal. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

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

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.