A Brief History Of Window Sash Repairs In 10 Milestones

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.
The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of 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 holds the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. 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 persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate replacements.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of 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 old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallets.
After the sash is removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult 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 it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. window repairs are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.