Window Sash Repairs Tools To Ease Your Daily Life

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the 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 intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then 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 the wear and tear of use, 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 generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled 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 is suitable for the. upvc windows repair will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make 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 opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.