Ten Things Everyone Misunderstands About Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
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Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach 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, remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in 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 an overall inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. 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, allowing the window to be shut 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 fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep 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. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.