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Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early before they become out of control.





The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and 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 width and height so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach 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 intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two 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, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is 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).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin 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 position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult 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.

To replace window repair Waltham Abbey , the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. 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, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.