Window Sash Repairs 101"The Complete" Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

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

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, window repairs remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting 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, then let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or window repairs door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by many factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash it is essential 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 allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

It's not easy 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 string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then 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 has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repairs-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on the components. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.