The Reasons Window Sash Repairs Is Harder Than You Imagine

Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they become too much.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
window repair Stripping
Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in an labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains 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 make it feel less stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.