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Window Sash Repairs Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on, before they become too much. The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows. The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, start 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). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches. Then, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade. When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard ½-inch by ¾ inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood. After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to access the hardware. The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash. If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3). Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills. It is essential to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using 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 that is labeled. Sash Weights If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements. It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord. Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove 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 through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets. After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame. Once 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 the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. 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 old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened. The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work. After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff. Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. window repair Aylesbury can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage. Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.