It’s The One Window Sash Repairs Trick Every Person Should Know

Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash Repair My Windows And Doors 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 most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer’s date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you’ll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It’s important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you’re having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists it’s most likely to be due to the sash’s balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly coated. This problem could be caused by many factors, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel’s location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the proper position after you’ve finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

It’s not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you’ll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight has been installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as “tie rails”) out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it’s worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able 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 from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you’ve purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.