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Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double glazing repair Ashford-hung, you’ll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When it’s completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn’t able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you’re having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn’t covered with. This problem could be caused by various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame’s opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off 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, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the right position after you’ve finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you’ll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double glazing repairs West Bromwich-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it’s worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They’re not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.