upvc window repairs Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step in 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. Start by identifying the window repair brand and the manufacturer’s date (etched on the glass’s corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you’ll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can install 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 upvc window repair trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over 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 protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could lead to a door or a upvc window repair that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn’t easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists it’s likely to be due to the sash’s balance. You will need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash’s meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This can be due to a variety of factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame’s opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you’re finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you’ll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

After the sash is 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.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It’s important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you’ve purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It’s cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you’ve got the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.