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Window Sash Repairs Most homeowners don't give much thought to window sashes as long as they're capable of opening and closing and keep the air inside and the outside air out. As time passes window sashes may become worn out and lead to drafts, air leaks or even stuck sashes. With a sash propped on an easel made from wood, the author works glazing points into a gap. He also scrapes paint off and then applies a wood preservative on the frame. Sash Weights When your windows aren't opening and closing smoothly or are sticking due to a problem with the counter-balancing system, it's possible that a could be the cause. This can be caused by the sash being damaged or missing chain or a loose or misaligned sashweight, or a broken or damaged pulley. The sash weights are tiny boxes, usually made of cast iron that help support the sash and also help balance the counter-weight system of the window. They are found in the bottom rails of every window frame and are covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut open to reveal their position. The panels can be removed to gain access to the sash weight pockets for cleaning, repairs or replacement. There may be an issue with the sashweights if you've had your sash windows a while. They could catch or lean. This could be due to the weights being too heavy (they are supposed to be a little heavier than the top sash) or because they were installed in a way that isn't correct (some people disabled their weight systems by cutting them and removing the weights to save money, or turning them into scrap metal). To fix this issue, first take off the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edges of the window that joins the frame and holds it in place) and then set them aside. This will require you to be careful so as to not damage the appearance of your overlapping rails. Then you can make use of a mallet or hammer to break up the stiles from the rails and inspect the rails for damage or any repairs that must be done. After you've checked the stiles and rails lay down dust sheets and begin working on the sash itself. Begin by taking the wood pegs out of the mortise and tenon joints with a pin punch and a screwdriver or hammer. After removing the pegs you can start disassembling the sash. Take off the sash stop moldings and any sash cords still in place. Next you will want to weigh the sash in order to figure out how much weight is needed to ensure its proper operation. You can find vintage weights for replacement on the internet or at some home improvement stores, but you should be sure to buy the correct size so as not to overload or underweight the sash. Sash Cords Sash cords that are worn out or broken can cause sash window issues. The weights put constant pressure on the sash cords, and this could cause them to break over time. The sashes will not open or close as easily when the cords break. The problem could be caused by a number of reasons like excessive force, aging, a lack of maintenance and moisture buildup. In the case of window sash repairs , it's important to replace the old cords with new ones made of materials that last and resist moisture. Begin by removing the interior stops and the thin strips of wood that hold the sashes in place, using a knife or a the chisel. Pry the stops from the sashes with care and be on the lookout for cracked or broken ones. After the stops have been removed, you can access the sash's weights by using an access panel cut into frame's bottom or by opening the jamb and taking off the weight pocket cover. Accessing the sash's cords requires some extra effort but it's not a problem with the right tools and perseverance. First, take off the old cords by cutting them close to their knots, and then pulling them away. Then, you can remove the sash from the frame and set it aside. Take off the staff bead. This is the nail that keeps the sash in its place. Insert the nail about a foot length into the hole. This will temporarily keep the sash from falling while you string the counterweights. After installing the upper sash again then reattach the sash cords and make sure the sashes are in a balanced position and move smoothly. Reinstall the lower sash, and repeat the procedure. Verify that the sashes are properly seated and are moving in a smooth manner. Reattach the sash cable after you have put in the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys and then through the knot hole in the sash. Repeat the process for each side of the sash until all cords have been replaced and the sashes are operating normal. Air and drafts Leaks As time passes, the materials that seal sash windows to your frame of your home deteriorate creating drafts and energy loss. A thorough inspection will reveal problems and help you choose your window sash repair options. Your comfort level and level will determine if you are able to manage your own repairs or require assistance from a professional for window repair. The historical status of your property and structural integrity issues also influence the scope of work that is required. If cold air enters through a drafty window, your furnace must be working overtime to keep your home warm. This can result in higher heating expenses, and can compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system. Drafts can also reduce indoor air quality and cause discomfort in the home by the infiltration of allergens, pollutants and humidity from the outside. A common sign of a drafty window is the feeling of cold air entering your room regardless of windows and doors being closed. Other tell-tale signs include fluctuations in the temperature of your room close to the window and condensation on the frame or sill. Fortunately, fixing drafty windows is a relatively simple job that can lower your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home. The first step is to inspect the window's exterior. Check for wood that isn't bare and areas where the old caulking is cracked, opening the air gap. Examine the sash's connection to the frame including the parting bead and staff bead. Examine the condition of the weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these locations to determine if it's still intact and functional. If not, it's going to need to be replaced. Finally, consider the state of glazing putty, which is a tough putty that keeps panes of glass in place. Check for cracks and crumbling that can expose the sash's surface to moisture. This can cause mold issues and damage to the glass. Apply a fresh layer glazing putty to the inside of the window to fix the issue. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, push the glazing points in place to hold them. Then wrap a piece of foam and a piece of fabric around each point to form an insulation layer against cold air. Aesthetics Window sash repair can give older windows a fresh appearance at a cost less than a full window replacement. A complete window replacement could be costly and time-consuming undertaking, particularly for older homes. Sometimes, repairing windows sashes can help restore the original appeal of a home and add value to it as well. Keeping a close eye on the condition of windows sashes is crucial to avoid major problems. If you're unsure whether your windows are in need of repair it's recommended to have them evaluated by a professional. The cost of repairing a sash is typically lower than the expense to replace the whole window, and can save you money on energy bills as well. First, lower the upper sash to the bottom. This is typically easy and allows you to observe the “parting beads” which are grooved bits on the rails at the junction that keep the two sliding sashes separated. They can be removed by a blade from a small pry-bar or a putty knife. They are typically put in place with nails and then painted, so you need to be careful not to harm them or the sliding sash. Once you've removed the parting beads, the next job is to take off the covers for your pockets. These are small pieces of wood which are fixed into the frame at the bottom. They provide access to the sashweights. Once they've been removed, the sash can be moved up and down to check that it is moving smoothly. If it's not, there may be an issue with the counterweights or the sash cords. Once you've checked all of these, you can fix them as needed. Wooden windows have a natural look that blends with both traditional and contemporary style interiors. The options for staining or painting are endless. Wooden windows require regular maintenance in order to avoid rot and damage.