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What Window Sash Repairs Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?
Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching simply click the up coming post , you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. However, click here! may become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand 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 height and width so that you can locate 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 see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to 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 fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem could be caused by many factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address 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 has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important 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 pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable 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 usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.


Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and fix it using the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.

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