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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 internal framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden upvc window repairs near me sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing repairs-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must 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 glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in 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 loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. 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 to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and window repairs keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

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

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.