Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages before they become too much.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window repair sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window s by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains 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 ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use 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 that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.