Window Sash Repairs Tips From The Top In The Industry

Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
window repairs Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two 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 stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors 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're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash to access the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been 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).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.
In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. 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 a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.