Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for 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 supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window repairs sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazed window repairs-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.