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Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair double glazing specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairman repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. 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, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that resolves 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 in order to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove 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 the one you need. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most repair double glazed windows-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and repairing double glazed Windows will keep it in its position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from 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 remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.