Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass 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.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing Whitstable-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.

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

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing repair Mitcham-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, double glazing Whitstable pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on the components. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.