Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double glazing Coulsdon-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.

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

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with very little effort, but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could 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 address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, installed a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repair Hackney-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and installed they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.