Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for double glazing repair St Albans signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double glazing Chesham-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, Double Glazing Repair St Albans and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repair St Albans-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.