15 Unexpected Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You've Never Heard …

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues early, before they become out of control.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin 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). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window repairs Braintree sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to a variety of factors that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, Replacements making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise 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 attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, 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 working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position 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/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.