What Window Sash Repairs You'll Use As Your Next Big Obsession

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 vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. After the putty has completely cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by various reasons such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

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 in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, 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 connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its 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 must be removed. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. window repairs near me can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.

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Pub: 05 Feb 2024 04:27 UTC
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