Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it’s damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window’s brand 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 get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you’ll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window doctor trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports Window doctor sashes prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a door or window that won’t open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you’ll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame’s opening and remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the correct location after you’ve completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It’s difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you’ll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it’s always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you’ve purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It’s not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they’ll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size of your window, two or Window doctor three sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.