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 future repairs.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double glazing Stanmore-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window repair waltham abbey trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and Window Repair Waltham Abbey close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

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

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so 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 the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off 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. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing Stevenage-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.