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Window Sash Repairs Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages before they get out of hand. The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple repairs to sash. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows 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 and frame. It can cause drafts if worn 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, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade. After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard ½-inch-by – ¾-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use a piece of scrap wood. After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look. 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 can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the hardware. The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash. If the hinge arms of a window are starting 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 correct the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm 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, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs. To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled. Sash Weights Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, 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; therefore you may have to locate replacements. A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord. Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet. Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is 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 are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments. Sash Cords The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened. The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work. After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If double glazing repairs Canvey Island is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff. Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage. It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.