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Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace 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 repair trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to many factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window repair sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.