Window Sash Repairs 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early before they become too much.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that 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 can become damaged or degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, 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.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can purchase 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, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to 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 meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to locate replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. click for more of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.
The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.