8 Tips To Improve Your Window Sash Repairs Game

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give a classic 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 degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying upvc window repairs and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. When it's completely dried then 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 is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.
It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before 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 small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.