Window Sash Repairs 101"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace 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, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried 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 holds the window sashes may wear out over time and window repairs with use. This could lead to the window or door repair that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if this solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, window repairs and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of 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 that hold the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and are 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 could be needed to keep it open.