A Comprehensive Guide To Window Sash Repairs From Beginning To End

Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on before they get out of hand.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take it off and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate 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 replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that 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 need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty 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 shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If window repair fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely 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. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.