How To Determine If Youre Ready For Window Sash Repairs

Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they may become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the 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 the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.
When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with scrap 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 a putty tool and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by a variety of factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched 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 address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move 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 installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.