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Window Sash Repairs

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

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. 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 simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to 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 unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.