5 Window Sash Repairs Projects For Any Budget

Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split 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 use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
In order to make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, window repairs can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it might require some lubrication to feel less 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 in 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 than screws to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.