8 Tips To Enhance Your Window Sash Repairs Game

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin 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 width and height so 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 see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers 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 stopper and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix 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 has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in window repair (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems 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 chain or cord, and then attach 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 counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.