Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing glass windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, start 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). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double glazed windows repair-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing double glazing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. 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. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel 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 old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double glazed window repair-hung upvc windows repairs near me with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move 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 nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position.