Window Sash Repairs 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Window Repair Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs near me repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window repair trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to many factors that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new 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. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazed window repairs-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when 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 require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.