Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on, before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window repair sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can 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 corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see 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 have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes 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 stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, 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 at least a day. After the putty has completely cured it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a window repair near me or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the upvc window repair sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a upvc window repairs are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of 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. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung upvc window repair, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. 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 move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have 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 salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.