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Window Sash Repairs Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on, before they become out of control. The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs. Weather Stripping Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows. Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original. Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade. After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard ½-inch-by – ¾-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood. After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look. Sash Hardware The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware. Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash. If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If Swanley window repair is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3). Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs. In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag. Sash Weights Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners. It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord. Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets. Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings. Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments. Sash Cords Most double-hung windows of the past include 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 can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened. To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work. Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff. Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage. Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.