How To Tell If You're Ready For Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.

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

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair timber windows sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand 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 size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside 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.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the 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 a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports upvc window repairs sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by a variety of factors that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and sash window repair keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash window repair cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.