Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an inside frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look 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 the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window repair sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored 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 properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and window repair 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 before you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing near me-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is 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 must be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.