Window Sash Repairs 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues in the early stages before they become too much.
The sash is an inside frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore 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 sash windows. window repairs is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window 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.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the 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 trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. 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 store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one 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.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.