Arlene Wasinger

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window repair near me's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your upvc window repairs near me sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window repair to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out 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 then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once 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 boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window Repair you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.