A Brief History Of Window Sash Repairs In 10 Milestones

Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes 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 parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating 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 time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In Main Page , a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove window repair , and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.
window repair in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but 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 balanced in the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.