Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they may become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start 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). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, window repairs remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing repairs-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide 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 a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored 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 is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing repairs-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and window repairs render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is 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 must be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However 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. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.