A HowTo Guide For Window Sash Repairs From Start To Finish

Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early on, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back 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, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left 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 split 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 stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut without effort, however, this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, 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 and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in 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 into and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If upvc window repair is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels 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 in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.