Window Sash Repairs Tips From The Top In The Business

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become out of control.
The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time 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 loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop 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 let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
dig this can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. 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
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.