10 Strategies To Build Your Window Sash Repairs Empire

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then 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. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to many factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (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 is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.
To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over from this source , these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it open.