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Window Sash Repairs Many 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 air out. Over time window sashes may wear out and cause drafts, air leaks or even sashes that are stuck. With a sash propped up on a DIY easel, the author works glazing points into gaps. He also scrapes paint off and applies an oil-based preservative to the frame. Sash Weights If your windows aren't closing and opening smoothly or are sluggish the way they should, a defective counterbalancing system could be the cause. This can occur due to a missing or damaged sash chain or cord or an unattached or misaligned sash weight, or a damaged pulley. The sashweights are small boxes made of cast-iron that balance the counter-weight system and support the sash. They are found in the bottom rails of every window frame, covered by an access panel of wood which can be opened to reveal their whereabouts. The panels can be removed to gain access to the pockets of sash weights for cleaning, repairs or replacement. There may be a problem with the sashweights, if you've been using your sash windows for over a period of time. They might lean or catch. This can be caused by the weights being too heavy (they are supposed to be slightly heavier than the top sash) or because they were installed in a way that isn't correct (some users have disabled their weight systems by cutting them off and taking the weights out to save money or turning them into scrap metal). To remedy this issue, remove the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edge of the window where it joins the frame to keep it in place). Place them aside. It is important to do this gently so as to not damage the profile of the meeting rails. You can then use a hammer for separating the stiles and rails and inspect them for damage. After examining the stiles and rails of the sash dust sheets on the floor and begin working. Begin by removing the wood pegs using a pin-punch and a hammer or screwdriver from the mortise-and tenon joints. After removing the pegs, you can start disassembling the sash. Take off the sash stop moldings as well as any sash cords still attached. Next, you will need to weigh the sash in order to determine how much weight it requires for functioning. You can find old weights for sash replacement online or at a few home improvement stores, but you should be sure to purchase the right size to ensure not to under or over weigh the sash. Sash Cords The majority of sash window problems result from damaged or worn sash cords. The weights put pressure on the sash's cords which can cause them to break over time. If the cords break, the sashes will no longer open and close easily. The problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive force, aging, lack of maintenance, and the accumulation of moisture. When you repair windows, it's important to replace the old cords with new ones constructed from an material that lasts and resist moisture. Begin by removing the inner stop strips, thin wood strips that hold the sashes into the frame, using a utility blade and a Chisel. Take care to remove the stops of the sashes while keeping an eye out for any that are cracked or broken. After removing the stops, you can gain access to the sashweights by opening the jamb or taking out the weight pocket. It requires a bit of work to reach the sash cords, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience it is not difficult. First, take off the old cords by cutting them near their knots and then pulling them out. Remove the sash and place it aside. When the sash is removed, pull down on the staff bead (the nail that stops the sash from falling) and then insert one nail that is about a foot long into the staff bead hole. This will temporarily keep the sash from slipping away while you finish stringing the counterweights. After installing the upper sash again, reattach the sash cords and ensure that the sashes are properly balanced and move smoothly. Then, install the lower sash and repeat the process, making sure that the sashes are properly in place and are moving smoothly. Reattach the sash cables once you have put in the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys, and then through the knot hole on the sash. Repeat this process for each side of the sash until cords have been replaced and the sashes function normal. Drafts and Air Leaks Over time, the materials that seal sash windows to your frame begin to degrade, resulting in drafts and loss of energy. A thorough inspection will reveal problem areas and guide the repair options for your window sash. Your personal preferences for comfort and your experience level determine whether you can self-manage window sash repairs or require professional input. The status of the property in the past and structural integrity issues also affect the scope of work necessary. When cold air sneaks in through a sluggish window, your furnace must work overtime to keep your home warm. This inefficiency can eat into your heating expenses and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system. Moreover, drafts disrupt your indoor comfort and can degrade the quality of indoor air by pushing the infiltration of outdoor pollutant, allergens, and humidity. A common sign of a drafty window is the sensation of cold air entering your room regardless of all windows and doors being closed. Other indicators to look out for include a fluctuation in the temperature of your home near the window, and condensation on the frame or sill. Fortunately, repairing drafty windows is a relatively easy task that can cut your energy bills and improve the indoor comfort. The first step is to inspect the window's exterior. Examine for bare wood and areas where the old caulking is cracked, opening the gaps to cold air. Examine the sash's interface with the frame, including the parting bead and staff bead. Examine the condition of the weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these points to determine if it's still intact and working. If not, this needs to be replaced. Finally, consider the state of glazing putty. It is a hard putty that holds panes of glass in place. Examine for cracks or crumbling that expose the sash to moisture which can cause mold issues and even damage the windows' glass. To resolve the problem, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty on the inside of your window. To secure the glazing points, use a flat-bladed screwdriver to push them into the right position. Then wrap a piece foam and fabric around each point to form an insulation agent against cold air. Aesthetics Window repair to sash can give older windows a new look at a lower cost than a complete window replacement. Particularly for homeowners with older homes, a full replacement can be a large undertaking and a major cost. Sometimes, repairing windows sashes can help restore the original beauty of a house and increase its value as well. Be vigilant about the condition of window sashes is essential to avoid major problems. If you're not sure whether your windows are in need of repair it's a good idea to have them assessed by an expert. A sash repair can be much less expensive than replacing the entire window. It can also save you money on energy bills. The first step is to lower the upper sash to the bottom. This is generally simple and will allow you to observe the “parting beads” that are a grooved part on the meeting rails which keep the two sliding sashes separated. You can remove them using the blade of a small pry bar or a putty knife – they are normally nailed in place and glued with paint, so you have be cautious not to harm them or the sash. After you've removed your parting beads, the next task is to take off the pocket covers. These are tiny pieces of wood that are screwed to the frame at the bottom. They permit access to the sashweights. After they have been removed, the sash may be moved between the two sides to ensure that it is moving smoothly. If it does not it could 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 are beautiful and natural that blends in with both modern and traditional style interiors. The options for staining or painting are endless. Wooden windows require regular maintenance to avoid rot and damage.