Window Sash Repairs Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs The sash is an inside frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair Weather Stripping Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops These are long pieces that divide the sashes Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex https//telegraph/Five-Windows-Repair-Near-Me-Lessons-From-The-Professionals-06-12 will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue If the problem persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance You will need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated This could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or 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 address https//penzucom/p/8b38438d083cfc50 , first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it Photo 2 Then, you can install the new sash Photo 3 Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil Photo 1 This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle Remove the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled Sash Weights Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that fits properly You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be of the right size Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley Then, nail the string to your boxed frame Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments Sash Cords Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level within the jamb Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash Make the small parting beads also known as "tie rails" out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel It is essential to take your time because they are usually wedged or nailed in place If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each piece You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in Step 6 above You can use either a hammer, nails or screws However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position