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10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About The Word "Window Sash Repairs."
Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, window repair Reigate can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand 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 size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.


Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem 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 need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and keep 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 also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the 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 using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays 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 screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.

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