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Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. 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 position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out 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 hardened glue. Take off the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become 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.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.