5 Window Sash Repairs Projects For Any Budget

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the 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 a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and trimming 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 a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix Link Home Page , first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer 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 best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.