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Window Sash Repairs Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future. The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash. Weather Stripping Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degraded over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows. The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. 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 that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match. Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade. After window repair Ilford has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard ½-inch by ¾ inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood. After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware. Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash. If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide 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 the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3). Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills. It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a labeled bag. Sash Weights No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected 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 then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to find replacements. It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord. Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet. Once the sash is freed, you can remove 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 covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you view the inside of the frame. After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments. Sash Cords Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened. The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work. After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth 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, and then take out the wood pegs that are on the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff. Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage. It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.