The Top Window Sash Repairs Gurus Are Doing 3 Things

Window Repair Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window repair's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass 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, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and window repair opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which 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 sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repairs-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down 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 usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.