Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time 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 the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the issue 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 should swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that 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 that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.