15 Interesting Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You Didnt Know About

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they get out of hand.
The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic 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 and frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If not, window repair is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when 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 need to be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.