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Window Sash Repairs Most homeowners don't pay attention to window sashes, as long as they're capable of opening and closing and keep the air inside and the air out. As time passes window sashes may get worn out and cause drafts, air leaks, or even stuck sashes. The author uses an sash supported on an easel to work glazing points into the gap. He also scrapes paint off and then applies a wood preservative to the frame. Sash Weights If your windows aren't opening and closing with ease or are sluggish the way they should, a defective counterbalancing system could be the cause. This could be due to a missing or damaged sash cord/chain, an unattached or misaligned sash weight, or a broken pulley. The sashweights are tiny boxes made of cast-iron that balance the counter-weight system and support the sash. The sash weights are situated at the bottom of every window frame. They are covered by wood panels which can be removed to reveal their location. The panels can be removed to gain access to the pockets of sash weights to clean, repair or replacement. If you've been using sash windows for a long time, you may have an issue 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 a little heavier than the top sash) or due to them being installed in a way that isn't correct (some people disabled their weight systems by cutting them off and taking them off to save money, or turning them into scrap metal). To resolve this issue take out the stops (the trim that runs along the inside of the window at the point where it meets the frame to keep it in position). Place them aside. This will require you to be gentle so as to not harm the profile of your meeting rails. Then, you can use a hammer to separate the stiles and rails and inspect them for damage. After you've checked the rails and stiles, lay down dust sheets and begin working on the sash itself. Start by removing wood pegs using a pin-punch and a hammer or screwdriver 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 connected. Next you will want to weigh the sash and determine the amount of weight is needed for the proper functioning. You can purchase vintage replacement sashweights online or in some home improvement stores. Make sure you get the right size to avoid over or under-weighting the sash. Sash Cords Sash cords that are worn or broken can lead to problems with the sash window. Sash cords are under constant stress from the weights, which can cause them to break over time, especially if they're not properly maintained. If the cords break, the 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. It is crucial to replace the old cords in window sash repair by new ones made from a material that is robust and resistant to moisture. Begin by removing the inner stops, the thin strips of wood that keep the sashes in place using a knife or a the chisel. Remove the stops from the sashes with care, and keep an eye out for cracked or broken ones. After removing the stops you can gain access to the sashweights by opening up the jamb or removing the weight pocket. It may take a bit more work to reach the sash cords but with the proper tools and a bit of patience, it's not difficult. Remove the old cords first by cutting them at their knots and then pulling them out. Remove the sash and place it aside. Once the sash is off and you have pulled it down, grab the staff bead (the nail that keeps the sash from falling) and then insert the nail, which is about one foot long into the hole for the staff bead. This will temporarily stop the sash from falling as you finish stringing the counterweights. Reattach the sash strings following reinstalling upper sash. Verify that the sashes move smoothly and are balanced. Reinstall the lower sash, and repeat the process. Check that window sash replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are properly placed and are moving smoothly. After you've finished installing the counterweights, reattach the sash cords by putting the sash cord through the pulleys and threading the cord's other end through a knot hole inside the sash, ensuring it is secured in place. Repeat this procedure on each side of the sash, making sure that the sashes work as intended again. Drafts and air leaks As time passes, the materials that connect sash windows to the frame of your home deteriorate creating drafts and loss of energy. A thorough inspection can identify the problem areas and help you determine the options for fixing your window sash. Your comfort level and level will determine if you are able to self-manage or require assistance from a professional for window repair. The scope of work required is also influenced by historical property status and structural strength. If cold air is coming through a drafty or drafty door or window, the furnace will have to work harder to warm your home. This can result in higher heating bills, and can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. In addition, drafts affect your indoor comfort and degrade the quality of indoor air by pushing into the outdoor air pollutant, allergens, and humidity. A drafty window can be identified by the feeling of cold air coming into the room, even if all windows and doors are closed. Other tell-tale signs include a fluctuation in the temperature of your room close to the window and condensation on the frame or sill. Fortunately, fixing drafty windows is a relatively easy task that can cut your energy costs and enhance indoor comfort. First, look at the exterior of the window. Find areas of unfinished caulking or broken wood that exposes the window to cold air. Examine the interface of the sash with the frame. This includes the parting beads, and the staff bead. Examine the condition of weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these locations to determine if they are intact and working. If not, this needs to be replaced. Finally, consider the state of glazing putty, which is a tough putty that holds panes glass in place. Check for cracks and crumbling that can expose the sash's surface moisture. This can lead to mold issues and damage to the glass. To resolve the problem, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty onto the inside of your window. To secure the glazing points, employ a screwdriver with a flat blade to push them into the right position. Wrap a piece or fabric and then foam around each point. This will act as an insulation against cold air. Aesthetics Window repair can give old windows a new look with less expense than an entire window replacement. Particularly for those with older homes, a complete replacement can be a big project and a significant financial commitment. Repairing window sashes is a great way to restore the beauty of your home and value. Keeping a close eye on the condition of your window sashes is crucial to avoid major problems. It is recommended to speak with a professional if you are not sure if your windows require repair. The cost of repairing a sash is usually less than the cost to replace the entire window, and can save your home energy costs as well. First, lower the upper sash down to the bottom. This is generally simple and allows you to observe the “parting beads” which are a grooved part on the rails at the junction which keep the two sliding sashes separate. Take them off using the blade of a small pry bar or a putty knife – they are typically nailed in place and stuck by paint, so you need be cautious not to damage them or the sash. After removing the parting beads you'll need to take off the pocket covers. These are bits of wood within the frame, lower down, that give access to the sash weights and are normally fixed with nails – they can also be stuck with paint, so you have be extra cautious. Once the nails are removed, you can move the sash upwards and downwards in order to make sure it moves smoothly. If it doesn't, it might be an issue with the counterweights or the sash cords. After you've inspected them all, you can fix them if necessary. Wooden windows are beautiful and natural. They blend in well with both traditional or contemporary interiors. They can also be made to be highly customizable with a variety of colors and stain choices. Wooden windows require regular maintenance to keep them from rotting and damage.