10 Unexpected Window Sash Repairs Tips

Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down 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 are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.
Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install official source (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area 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. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can 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 it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.