Why Window Sash Repairs Is Harder Than You Imagine

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the upvc window repair sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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 trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

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 string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you 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 typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position.