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Window Sash Repairs Many homeowners don't care about window sashes — insofar as they are closed, open, and keep the outside air out and the interior air in. Over time windows sashes wear out and cause drafts, air leaks or even sashes that are stuck. With a sash propped up on a DIY easel and a glass, the artist creates glazing points into a gap. He also scrapes paint off and applies a wood preservative on the frame. Sash Weights When windows aren't opening and closing with ease or are sagging, a faulty counter-balancing system may be to blame. This could be due to an ailing or damaged sash chain or a sashweight that is not aligned properly or not attached to a weight, or a damaged or cracked pulley. The sashweights are small, rounded boxes made of cast-iron, which balance the counter-weight system as well as support the sash. They are located in the bottom rails of every window frame, covered by a wooden access panel which can be opened to reveal their whereabouts. These panels can be removed to allow access to the sash-weight pockets in order to clean and repair or replace them. If you've been using sash windows for a long time you likely have a problem with the weights on the sash that cause them to sag or catch. This could be due to the weights being too heavy (they are supposed to be slightly heavier than the top sash) or by having them installed incorrectly (some people disabled their weight systems by cutting them off and taking them off to save money or turning them into scrap metal). To correct this issue, first pry off the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edges of the window where it meets the frame and holds it in place) and then set them aside. You'll need to do this gently so as not to damage the shape of the two rails. You can then use a hammer for separating the stiles and rails, and check them for damage. After inspecting the rails and stiles of the sash, place dust sheets on the floor and begin working. Start by taking the wood pegs out of the mortise and tenon joints with pin punches and a screwdriver or hammer. After sliding sash window have removed the pegs you can begin disassembling the sash. Take off the sash stop moldings as well as any sash cords still in place. Next you will want to weigh the sash and determine how much weight is needed to ensure its proper functioning. You can find old replacement sash weights online or at a few home improvement stores, but be sure to buy the right size to ensure not to overload or underweight the sash. Sash Cords Often sash window problems stem from damaged or worn sash cords. Sash cords endure constant pressure from the weights which can cause them break over time, especially when they're not maintained properly. The sashes won't be able to open or close as easily when the cords break. The problem may be caused due to excessive force, aging, lack of maintenance, or the buildup of moisture. It is crucial to replace the old cords in window sash repairs with new ones made from materials that are robust and resistant to moisture. Start by removing the internal stop strips, the thin wood strips that hold the sashes in the frame with a utility knife and a the chisel. Take care to remove the stops of the sashes, while keeping an eye out for any that are cracked or broken. After the stops have been removed, you can access the sash weights through an access panel that is cut into the 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 proper tools and a bit of patience it is not difficult. First, you must remove the old cords by cutting them near their knots, and then pulling them away. Then, remove the sash from the frame and put it aside. Pull down the staff bead, the nail that keeps the sash in place. Put a nail of about a foot in length into the hole. This will keep the sash in place as you finish stringing counterweights. Reattach the sash strings after installing the upper sash. Verify that the sashes are moving smoothly and are balanced. Reinstall the lower sash, and repeat the procedure. Make sure that the sashes are properly placed and are moving in a smooth manner. Reattach the sash cables once you have put in the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys and then through the knot hole in the sash. Repeat the procedure for each side of the sash until all the cords are replaced and the sashes are functioning normally again. Drafts and Air Leaks Over time, the materials that seal your sash window to the frame of your home begin to degrade. This leads to drafts and energy loss. A thorough inspection can identify problem areas and guide the repair options for your window sash. Your level of comfort and skill level will determine whether you can manage yourself or require assistance from a professional for window repair. The scope of work required is also influenced by history of the property's condition and the structural strength. If cold air enters through a drafty window, your furnace must perform overtime to keep your house warm. This can result in higher heating costs and could affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. Drafts can also affect the quality of air inside and cause discomfort in the home by the infiltration of allergens, pollutants and humidity from outside. A common sign of a drafty window is the sensation of cold air entering your room regardless of windows and doors being closed. Other telltale signs are a change in temperature 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 examine the window's exterior. Look for areas of bare wood or cracked caulking that exposes the window to cold air. Examine the sash's interface with the frame. This includes the parting beads, and the staff bead. Check the condition of the weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these locations to determine if it's still intact and working. If not, it's time to be replaced. Consider the condition of glazing putty. It's a hard putty that is used to hold panes of glass tempered in place. Examine for cracks and a crumbling surface that could expose the sash's surface moisture. This can cause mold issues and damage to the glass. To fix the issue, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty on the inside of your window. To fix the glazing points, make use of a flat-bladed screwdriver push them into place. Wrap a fabric or piece and foam around each point. This acts as an insulation against cold air. Aesthetics Window repair for sash windows can give older windows a new look at a lower cost than a full window replacement. A complete window replacement can be an expensive and time-consuming project, especially for older homes. Often, repairing window sashes can bring back the original appeal of a home and add value to it as well. It is important to pay attention to the condition and wear of window sashes 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 cheaper than the cost to replace the entire window, and could save your home energy costs as well. The first step is to lower the upper sash to the bottom – this is generally easy and will help you get an excellent view of the “parting beads” (these are grooved bits in the rail that connects either side that keep the 2 sliding sashes separate). These can be removed with a blade from a small pry-bar or a putty knife. They are typically nailed into place and painted, so you need to be careful not damage them or the sliding sash. After you have removed the parting beads, you'll have to remove the covers for your pockets. They are tiny pieces of wood that are nailed into the frame at the bottom. They permit access to the sashweights. After the nails are removed, you can move the sash upwards and downwards in order to make sure it moves smoothly. If it does not then there may be an issue with the counterweights and the sash cords. After you've inspected them all, you can repair them if you need to. Wooden windows have a natural beauty that blends seamlessly with traditional and contemporary style interiors. They can also be customized with a variety of stain and paint options. However, wooden windows do require regular maintenance to prevent damage and rot.