Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early, before they become too much.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It’s located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it’s damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer’s date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you’ll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length 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 a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window replacement near me sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that can’t be opened or closed easily. It’s a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash isn’t easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If the problem persists it’s likely to be due to the sash’s balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn’t properly glazed. This issue could be caused by many factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that’s directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame’s opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy upvc repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you’ve finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you’ll need to find one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, repaired since the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and repaired down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, repaired but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time as they’re often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven’t purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it’s recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It’s not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.