Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window repairs sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer 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 loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

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

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed onto 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, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length 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 old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach 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-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It's important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

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

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.