What Window Sash Repairs Is Your Next Big Obsession

Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early, before they become too much.
The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If window repair isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights 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 neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to find replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
When window repairs has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.