Window Sash Repairs 101 It s The Complete Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become too much.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes 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 parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and window repairs shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repairs near me-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, window repairs and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and require removal. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.