Notes

What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know
Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. Highly recommended Reading can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

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

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).


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

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bexley-windowrepair/