5 Window Sash Repairs Projects For Any Budget

Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 you can find replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. window repair near me that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.
After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.