5 Window Sash Repairs Projects For Any Budget

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become too much.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. window repair , sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand 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 find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide 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 replace them with scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.
It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible 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 it is 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 must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.