5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons Learned From Professionals

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early before they become out of control.
The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's 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. Begin 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 size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, go right here could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to many factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If window repair on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. 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 opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on the components. The sash should move freely now, but it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.