A The Complete Guide To Window Sash Repairs From Beginning To End

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early, before they become too much.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to 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 longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double glazed window repairs-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of 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 fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts 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 that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by 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 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 of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, 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. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.