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Window Sash Repairs The majority of 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 outside out. Over time, window sashes can wear out and cause air leaks, drafts or even sashes that are stuck. The author uses the sash which is propped up on an easel to work the glazing points into the gap. He also scrapes paint off and applies an oil-based preservative to the frame. Sash Weights If your windows are not opening and closing smoothly or are sluggish, a faulty counterbalancing system could be the reason. This could be due to an ailing or damaged sash chain, a misaligned or unattached the sashweight, or even a broken or damaged pulley. The sashweights are small boxes made of cast-iron, which balance the counter-weight system as well as support the sash. They are situated in the bottom rails of each window frame, covered by an access panel of wood which can be opened to reveal their whereabouts. These panels can be removed for access to the sash-weight pockets in order to clean and repair or replace them. There may be problems with the sashweights if been using your sash windows for a while. They could lean or catch. The weights can be too heavy (they should be a little heavier than the top sash) or installed incorrectly. To resolve this issue, remove the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edge of the window at the point where it joins with the frame to hold it in position). Set them aside. You'll need to do this gently so as not to harm the shape of the two rails. Then you can employ a mallet or hammer to break the stiles from the rails and examine them for damage or any repairs that need to be made. Once you've inspected the stiles and rails, lay down dust sheets and then begin working on the sash itself. Start by taking the wood pegs out of the mortise and tenon joints with pins and a screwdriver or hammer. After the pegs have been removed then you can begin disassembling the sash by removing the stop moldings for sash as well as removing any sash cord knots still connected, and then removing the sash itself. The next step is to weigh the sash in order to determine how much weight it needs for proper functioning. You can purchase vintage replacement sashweights online or at some home improvement stores. Be sash secondary glazing repairmywindowsanddoors to get the correct size to avoid over or under-weighting the sash. Sash Cords Often sash window problems stem from damaged or worn sash cords. 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 cords break, sashes will not be able to open and close easily. The issue could be caused by a variety of things that can cause it, such as excessive force, aging, a lack of maintenance and moisture buildup. When you repair windows it is crucial to replace the old cords with new ones constructed from materials that last and resist moisture. Start by removing the internal stop strips, thin wood strips that hold the sashes in their place Utilizing a utility blade and a chisel. Remove the stops out of the sashes with care, and be on the lookout for any cracked or broken ones. After the stops have been removed, you can access the sash weights via an access panel that is cut into the bottom of the frame or by opening the jamb and taking off the weight pocket cover. It requires a bit of work to reach the sash cords, but with the proper tools and a bit of patience, it's not difficult. First, take off the old cords by cutting them near their knots and pulling them free. Remove the sash and place it aside. Pull down the staff bead, which is the nail that keeps the sash in its place. Put a nail of about a foot into the hole. This will hold the sash in place as you finish stringing counterweights. Reattach the sash string after reinstalling upper sash. Make sure that the sashes are moving smoothly and are balanced. Then, reinstall the lower sash and repeat the process, ensuring that the sashes are seated and moving smoothly. Reattach the sash cable after you have installed the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys and then through the knot hole in the sash. Repeat this process on both sides of the sash to ensure that the sashes function normally again. Drafts and Air Leaks Over time, the materials that seal your sash window to the frame of your home deteriorate. This causes drafts and energy losses. A thorough inspection will identify the trouble spots and assist you in determining the options for fixing your window sash. Your comfort preferences and experience level determine whether you are able to manage window repairs to your sash or require professional assistance. The scope of work is also influenced by the history of the property's condition and the structural strength. If cold air is leaking through a drafty or drafty door or window, your furnace will have to work harder to warm your home. This inefficiency can eat into your heating bills and compromises the effectiveness of your HVAC system. Moreover, drafts disrupt your indoor comfort and can degrade indoor air quality by forcing into the outdoor air pollutants, allergens and humidity. A typical indication of a drafty window is the sensation of cold air entering your room regardless of windows and doors being shut. Other signs to look for are an increase in the temperature of your room near the window, and condensation around the frame or sill. Fortunately, repairing drafty windows is a simple job that can lower your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home. First, inspect the exterior of the window. Check for areas of bare caulking or broken wood, which exposes the window to cold air. Examine the interface of the sash with the frame. This includes the parting beads, and the staff bead. Check the condition of weather stripping on these points (felt strips or tape) to determine if they're intact and functional. If not, it needs 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 or crumbling that expose the sash to moisture which can cause mold issues and even damage the windows' glass. To resolve the issue, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty onto the inside of your window. Utilizing a flat-blade screwdriver push the glazing points into position to fix them. Then, wrap a piece of foam and a 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 full window replacement. A complete replacement of windows can be costly and time-consuming task, especially for older homes. In many cases, fixing window sashes can bring back the original beauty of a home and increase its value as well. It is crucial to pay attention to the condition and wear of window sashes in order to avoid any major issues. If you're not sure if your windows require repair It's best to have them inspected by an expert. A sash repair could be much cheaper than replacing the entire window. It will also help you save money on energy costs. The first step is to lower the upper sash down to the bottom – this is generally easy and will give you an excellent view of the “parting beads” (these are grooved pieces in the rail that connects either side that keep the 2 sliding sashes separate). You can remove them using the blade of a small bar or a putty knife they are typically nailed in the right place and are covered by paint, so you need be cautious not to damage them or the sash. After you've removed the parting beads, the next step is to remove the covers for your pockets. These are bits of wood in the frame, low down that give access to the sash weights. They are usually nailed in place – they can also be stuck with paint, so it is important be extra cautious. After they have been removed, the sash may be moved up and down to check that it moves in a smooth manner. If it doesn't, 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 look beautiful and natural. They are a great fit with modern or traditional interiors. They are also highly customizable, with many stain and paint options. Wooden windows require regular maintenance in order to avoid rot and damage.