Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the 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 scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting 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 at least a few days. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your emergency window repair sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and Window Sash Repairs then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

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

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.