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 are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and 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 to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window repair and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a door repair or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

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

In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and store it in an labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string 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 in the jamb level. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, Window Repair break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.