Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, Repair My Windows And Doors and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to Repair my windows and doors sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is secured 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, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important 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 help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or Repair My Windows And Doors disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes 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 area loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing Bedford-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.