Window Sash Repairs 101The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.
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
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split 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 stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging upvc window repair and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the right location after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down 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. They are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in 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 an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.