Notes

The Often Unknown Benefits Of Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs


Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing upvc windows repair parting stops 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 tool and allow it to dry for at least one 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 supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After 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. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when 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 moved. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

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

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.

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