What A Weekly Window Sash Repairs Project Can Change Your Life

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two 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 a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this solves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to find replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With window repairs near me With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.