window repair Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and Window Repair mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early before they become out of control.

The sash is an inside frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance 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 damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the Window Repair's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife 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.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

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

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazed window repairs-hung window, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It's important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. 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 chain or cord and fix it using the step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.