10 Window Sash Repairs Tricks Experts Recommend

Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future door repair costs by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they may become damaged or degraded over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and Window repairs keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their 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 cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the necessary tools in place 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 proper position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place 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 into and require removal. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.