10 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed Concerning Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these 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 demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. They can, however, 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 much longer than 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 could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining your local window repair's brand 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, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and 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 the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate 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 correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazed windows repair-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.