What Is Window Sash Repairs And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can 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 longer than 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, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of 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, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the Window repair. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can 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 the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the upvc window repair near me. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. 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 With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights 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. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.