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Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers 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, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least one day. When the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could 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 quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, 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 correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). window repairs will allow you to place the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords 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. Take off the old sash and place 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 decrease energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.





Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After 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 the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string 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. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.