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It Is The History Of Window Sash Repairs In 10 Milestones
Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.


The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repair s is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. 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, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this solves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a new one that is suitable for the. 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 with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. 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 sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. 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 sash cords 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 relocated. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

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