10 Strategies To Build Your Window Sash Repairs Empire

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping


Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate 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 parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. 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 the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When window repair fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

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

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.

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Pub: 03 Feb 2024 15:42 UTC
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