Window Sash Repairs Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early, before they get out of hand. The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows. The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match. Then, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty blade. When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood. After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then 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. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware. Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash. If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3). Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs. It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield 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 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 concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners. A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord. Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets. After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame. After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments. Sash Cords In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. 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 will keep it in its place when it is opened. To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work. After the access panel has been removed, you can begin 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 usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff. Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, window repairs are less likely than screws to cause damage. If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing 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 open. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.
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