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Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early on, before they become out of control.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it’s damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer’s date (etched on the glass’s corner or 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.

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

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cure it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It’s important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you’re having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you’ll need to take out the sash in order to access 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’s meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors that include 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 strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you’ve finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you’ll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you’ll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repairs Epsom glazing Orpington (Www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk)-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could 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 keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as “tie rails”) out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It is essential to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven’t purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It’s not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.