Window Sash Repairs Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control. The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows. Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match. Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After window repairs have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty knife. After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood. After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. 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 from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware. Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash. If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3). Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills. It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin 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 into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label. Sash Weights Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners. A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece 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 windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets. Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings. Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments. Sash Cords The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. 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 fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work. After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called tie rails) out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff. Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage. Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.
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