Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems early on, before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It’s found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it’s loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window’s brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you’ve removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. Once it’s fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports upvc window repair sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you’re having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you’ll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, upvc window repair near me sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash’s to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that’s opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame’s opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you’re finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It’s difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you’ll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it’s best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it’s worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in the step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It’s best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It’s not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your upvc window repair near me one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.