10 Window Sash Repairs That Are Unexpected

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great 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 the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. 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, remove the sash and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double glazing near me (click homepage)-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. 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 replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a window or door repair that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

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

To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, Double Glazing Near Me which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.