Window Sash Repairs Tips From The Top In The Business

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. window repairs near me can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, window repairs can be damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the 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 typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the proper location 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. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always 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 called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using the previous step. 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've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and are easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.