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Window Sash Repairs Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching double glazing repairs Sittingbourne before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs. The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs. Weather Stripping Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows. Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original. Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade. After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard ½-inch by ¾ inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood. After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware. Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash. If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3). Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs. To complete these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label. Sash Weights Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements. It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord. Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet. After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame. After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments. Sash Cords The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened. The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work. Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff. Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage. Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.