Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash doors repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows repair near me is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass repairs or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing repairs near me compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured, 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 prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a door repairs near me or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This could be caused by various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important 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 with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down 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 nailed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.