Why Window Sash Repairs Is More Tougher Than You Think

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start 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 replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper for the parting 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. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide window repair near me to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.

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Pub: 07 Feb 2024 01:50 UTC
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