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8 Tips For Boosting Your Window Sash Repairs Game Window Sash Repairs Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they become too much. The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows. The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches. Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade. When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber. 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 it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look. Sash Hardware The hardware that holds the window sashes may 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 generally relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware. The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating. If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3). Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills. To complete window repairs to sash it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag. Sash Weights Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners. It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord. Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with 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. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet. After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings. After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments. Sash Cords In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened. The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down 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 narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff. Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage. It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.