Window Sash Repairs Tips From The Best In The Industry

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early on before they become too much.
The sash is an inside frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.
Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to various reasons such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. window repairs is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws 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. 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 sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.