Five Window Sash Repairs Lessons From Professionals

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it 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 of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured, 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 is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy upvc repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the Window Doctor to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repair-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine 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 fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it in an open position.