Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash Repair My Windows And Doors specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash has been removed and Repair My Windows And Doors removed, you can take off 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 the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing near me-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when 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. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size and shape of your window repair, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.