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Window Sash Repairs Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control. The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows. Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches. Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights 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 old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade. Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard ½-inch-by ¾-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood. After removing the stopper for the parting 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 allow it to dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware. The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating. If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3). Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Many times, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs. It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and take out 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 a nozzle shield. Remove 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 broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners. A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord. Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet. After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings. After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight has been installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments. Sash Cords In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened. To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work. After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called “tie rails”) out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff. Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut Salford window repairs or cord, and then secure it in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage. It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.