Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on, before they become out of control.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces 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 replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated 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 door window repairs or window repair that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove 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 homes, can be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few easy 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 is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. 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 function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or window repairs cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can become 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 place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.