Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin 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). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these upvc repairs (visit this backlink) to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window doctor sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.