10 Window Sash Repairs Tips All Experts Recommend

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops 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 at least one day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
upvc window repairs is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.
After 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 the new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.