Window Sash Repairs Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs Weather Stripping Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time However, they may become damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows It's on both the frame and the sash If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade After the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use scrap wood After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel Then, slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed This issue could be caused by a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm Photo 1 To fix the problem ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it Photo 2 Next, install the new sash Photo 3 Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame Photo 1 with pencil This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an nozzle shield Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label Sash Weights No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other https//bay-mcmahan-2hubstacknet/the-lesser-known-benefits-of-local-window-repair-1718503243 is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets This is usually done through 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 When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments Sash Cords The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down 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 These are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash Make the small parting beads also called "tie rails" out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position