5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Pros

Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, Window Repair mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin 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). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch Window Repair trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a upvc window repairs near me are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (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. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your upvc window repair near me sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.

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

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. 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.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.