Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window 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 the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window Repair Hackney sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag 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 that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in 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 the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing repair Coulsdon-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. 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 screwed or nailed into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window two or window repair Hackney three sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.