See What Window Sash Repairs Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping 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 to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch upvc window repair trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stop and trimming 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 then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise 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. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.