Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. 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). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address 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 is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing 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 by the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by 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 weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazed window repairs-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise 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. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It is important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.