The Top Window Sash Repairs Experts Are Doing 3 Things

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. 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 next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the upvc window repair to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to find replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

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

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, home you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

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

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.