A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

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

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the 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 parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door repair or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or window repair lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto 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 with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and Window Repair remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open 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 at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your Window Repair one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.