Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should be buried within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, Window Repair you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, 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 generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window repairs to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

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

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.