Window Sash Repairs Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair Weather Stripping Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home When properly maintained, can last for many years However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping It's found on both the sash and frame If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade Once the sash is clear, you can replace 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 trimming from the lumberyard However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance Sash Hardware The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use http//sqworlcom/6oa7sc can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that resolves the issue If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance You'll need to 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-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm Photo 1 To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it Photo 2 Then, put in the new sash Photo 3 Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start Mark the hinge channel location on the frame Photo 1 with a pencil This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label Sash Weights Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using a rope These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which 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 the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have might not be the correct size After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism Then, nail the string to your boxed frame Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string for future adjustments Sash Cords Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves It is essential to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance They're not costly and simple to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position