Five Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Pros

window repair Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems early before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and 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 sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, window repairs and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When it's completely 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 supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window repair near me sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. 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 in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of 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 give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

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

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.