Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you 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 durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the Window Repair. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore 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 fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working 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 prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, 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 than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position.