5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Professionals

Window Sash Repairs Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs. The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows. The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match. Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand 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 prefers the standard ½-inch by ¾ inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood. After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware. Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash. If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. 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 homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills. To make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. double glazing Romford on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label. Sash Weights Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements. It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord. Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet. After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings. After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments. Sash Cords The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible 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 it is opened. To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work. After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called “tie rails”) out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff. With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage. Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.