Window Sash Repairs Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future. The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash. Weather Stripping Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows. Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can 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 size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original. Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, 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 parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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 stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware. The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating. If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve 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 has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3). Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills. To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label. Sash Weights Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. window repairs are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements. It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord. Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters 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 a mallet. After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings. When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments. Sash Cords Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is opened. The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work. After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff. Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage. It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.
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