5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Pros

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer 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. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a upvc window repairs near me or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

window repairs sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window repairs begin to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. 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 (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords 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 for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your upvc window repair sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable the sash with a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the upvc window repair near me without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding 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 one on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to take your time as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.