Window Sash Repairs Tips From The Top In The Industry

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements and normal 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 sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.
When full report is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
In order to make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. content will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size 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 mallet.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what you require. After full report is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.