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Window Sash Repairs Many homeowners don't care about window sashes — so long as they are able to can be closed and opened, they keep outside air out and the inside air in. Over time, window sashes can get worn out and cause drafts, air leaks, or even stuck sashes. The artist uses a sash that is supported on an easel to work glazing points into the gap. He also scrapes paint off and applies a wood preservative on the frame. Sash Weights If your windows are not opening and closing with ease or are sluggish in a stuck position, a malfunctioning counterbalancing system could be at fault. This can occur due to a missing or damaged chain/sash cord or an unattached or misaligned sash weight, or a damaged pulley. The sashweights are small boxes made of cast-iron, which balance the counter-weight system and help support the sash. They are located in the bottom rails of each window frame, and are covered by a wooden access panel which can be opened to reveal their position. These panels can also be removed to gain access to the pockets of sash weights to clean, repair or replacement. You may have an issue with the sashweights, if you've been using your sash windows for over a period of time. They could be sagging or catch. This can be caused by the weights being too heavy (they are supposed to be slightly heavier than the top sash) or by having them installed in a way that isn't correct (some users have disabled their weight systems by cutting them and taking them off to save money or turn them in for scrap metal). To resolve this issue take out the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edge of the window at the point that it joins with the frame to hold it in position). Place them aside. You'll need to do this slowly so as to not damage the shape of the two rails. You can then make use of a mallet or hammer to break the stiles from the rails and examine them for damage or for any repairs that need to be done. After examining the rails and stiles of the sash, put dust sheets on the floor and begin working. Begin by removing the wood pegs with a pin-punch and a screwdriver or hammer from the mortise and tenon joints. After removing the pegs you can begin disassembling the sash. Remove the sash stop moldings as well as any sash cords that are still in place. The next step is to weigh the sash and figure out how much weight is required for the proper functioning. You can find vintage replacement sashweights on the internet or in some home improvement stores. Be sure to get the correct size to avoid under or over-weighing the sash. Sash Cords Sash cords that are worn out or damaged can cause problems with sash windows. Sash cords are constantly under pressure from the weights which could cause them to break over time, especially if they're not properly maintained. If the cords break, sashes will not be able to open and close easily. The problem may be caused due to excessive force, aging or lack of maintenance or the accumulation of moisture. During window sash repairs it is crucial to replace the old cords with new ones that are made from an material that lasts and resist moisture. Start by removing the interior stop strips, thin wood strips which hold the sashes in the frame Utilizing a utility blade and a the chisel. Remove the stops from the sashes with care and be on the lookout for cracked or broken ones. Once the stops are removed, you can access the sash weights via an access panel cut into frame's bottom or by opening the jamb and taking off the cover for the weight pocket. It may take a bit more effort to reach the sash cords, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience it is not difficult. First, you must remove 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 and you have pulled it down, grab the staff bead (the nail that prevents the sash from falling) and then insert the nail, which is about a foot long into the staff bead hole. This will hold the sash on its place while you finish stringing counterweights. After installing the upper sash again and sash cords, reconnect them and ensure that the sashes are properly balanced and move smoothly. Then, you can reinstall the lower sash, and repeat the process, making sure that the sashes are properly in place and are moving smoothly. Reattach the sash cables after you have installed the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys, and then through the knot hole on the sash. Repeat this procedure on the opposite side of the sash, making sure that the sashes function normally again. Air leaks and drafts Over time, materials that connect your sash window to the frame of your home deteriorate. This can cause drafts and energy loss. sash window replacement can identify problems and help you choose the repair options for your window sash. Your personal preferences for comfort and your ability level determine whether you can self-manage window repair or require expert input. The historical status of your property and structural integrity concerns also affect the scope of work necessary. When cold air sneaks in through a drafty window, your furnace is forced to work overtime to keep your home warm. This inefficiency can increase your heating expenses, and can compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system. Drafts can also reduce the quality of air inside and disrupt indoor comfort by adding allergens, pollutant, and humidity from the outside. A drafty window can be identified by the sensation of cold air coming into a room, even when all windows and doors are shut. Other signs to look for are an increase in the temperature of your room close to the window and condensation on the frame or sill. It is good to know that fixing drafty windows is a relatively simple task that can reduce your energy bills and improve the indoor comfort. Start by inspecting the outside of the window. Look for areas of bare wood or cracked caulking which exposes the window to cold air. Examine the sash's connection to the frame including the parting beads and staff bead. Examine the condition of the weather stripping on these points (felt strips or tape) to determine if they are intact and effective. If not, this needs to be replaced. Also, take note of the condition of glazing putty. It is a hard putty that keeps panes of glass in place. Examine for cracks or crumbling that expose the sash's surface to moisture which can lead to mold issues and even damage the windows' glass. To fix the problem, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty on the inside of your window. Utilizing a flat-blade screwdriver push the glazing points in place to fix them. Then, wrap a piece of foam and a piece of fabric around each point to create an insulation agent against cold air. Aesthetics Window sash repair can give older windows a fresh appearance at a cost less than a complete window replacement. Particularly for homeowners with older homes, a total replacement can be a big project, and a substantial cost. Repairing window sashes is an excellent way to bring back the original beauty of a home and value. It is important to keep an eye on the condition and wear of window sashes to avoid any major issues. If you're unsure whether your windows require repair, it's a good idea to have them assessed by a professional. The cost of a sash repair is often much lower than the expense to replace the entire window, and it can help reduce your energy bills as well. The first step is to lower the upper sash to the bottom. This is usually simple and will help you get an unobstructed view of the “parting beads” (these are the grooved bits in the meeting rail on either side that keep the two sliding sashes apart). Take them off using the blade of a small bar or a putty knife they are normally nailed in place and stuck with paint so you need be careful not to scratch them or the sash. After removing the parting beads you'll need to take off the pocket covers. They are tiny 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 may be moved up and down to check that it is moving smoothly. If it doesn't then there may be an issue with the counterweights and sash cords. After you've inspected all of these, you can repair them as required. Wooden windows are beautiful and natural. They work well with contemporary or traditional interiors. The options for staining or painting are endless. Wooden windows require regular maintenance to keep them from rotting and damage.