Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double glazing repair Sittingbourne-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of double glazing Grays compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-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 with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than what you require. 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, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing Repairs Peterborough-hung window the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

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

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.