5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From Professionals

Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These 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. But, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second 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 use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on the upvc window repair near me begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones 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 an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out 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.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window repair near me. 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 screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. 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 piece. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.