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5 Window Sash Repairs Projects For Any Budget
Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.


Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 new weather stripping that matches.

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 has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with 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 keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. window repairs near me that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

Measure 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 chain or cord and secure it in the previous step. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.

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