Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems early, before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove 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. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, window repairs first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window repairs near me sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used 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 what is needed. After the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.