5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Pros

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, window repairs near me can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms 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 remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that 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 of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and 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. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting 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 flat bar or chisel. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. The sash should move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position.