Window Sash Repairs Tools To Streamline Your Day-To-Day Life

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping


Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell 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 new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter 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 utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. window repairs is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

Edit
Pub: 05 Feb 2024 09:03 UTC
Views: 16