Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes 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 become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash upvc repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your 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. 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 look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a door or fitting window that won't open or fitting close easily. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need 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 of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window doctor sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut 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; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

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

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and 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 an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.