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Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood upvc window repair sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer 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. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by various reasons, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite 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 to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and window repairs close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and window repairs linked to the moveable window sash using rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.