Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash was 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, old windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable the sash with rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few 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. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them 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 ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

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

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.