Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing double glazing windows that have sash. It’s on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if 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 that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double glazed windows repairs-hung, you’ll have to take off the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won’t open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you’re having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues it’s most likely to be due to the sash’s balance. You will need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn’t glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash’s to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame’s opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To complete these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the right location after you’ve completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It’s not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you’ll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized 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 using a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In most old double glazed windows repair-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as “tie rails”) out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it’s worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don’t have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it in an open position.