Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by finding your window 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 width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double glazed repairs-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, 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. After it has fully dried then 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 may wear out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window repairing sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning 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 correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these upvc windows repair into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung upvc windows repair include a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

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

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.