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Window Sash Repairs Many homeowners don't care about window sashes — insofar as they are closed, open, and keep outside air out and the interior air in. But with time, they can start to wear out, leading to drafts, air leaks, or even sticking sashes. With a sash propped on an easel made from wood The artist works the glazing points into gaps. He also scrapes paint off the frame before applying wood preserver. Sash Weights If windows aren't opening and closing in a smooth manner or are sticking, a faulty counter-balancing system could be at fault. This can occur because of a broken or damaged sash cord/chain as well as a misaligned or unattached sash weight, or a broken pulley. The sashweights are small boxes made of cast-iron that balance the counter-weight system as well as support the sash. The sash weights are located at the bottom of every window frame. They are covered by wood panels which can be removed to reveal their location. These panels can be removed for access to the sash-weight pockets in order to clean and repair or replace them. If you've used sash windows for a period of time, it's likely that you have a problem with sash weights that cause them to lean or catch. This could be due to the weights being too heavy (they are supposed to be a bit heavier than the top sash) or due to them being installed in a way that isn't correct (some people have disabled their weight systems by cutting them and taking them off to save money or turn them in for scrap metal). To remedy this issue, remove the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edge of the window at the point that it joins the frame to keep it in position). Set them aside. It is important to do this with care so as not to damage the shape of the two rails. Then, you can employ a hammer to break the rails and stiles, and inspect them for damage. After examining the stiles and rails of the sash, place some dust sheets on the floor and start working. Start by removing the wood pegs from the mortise and the tenon joints using pins and a screwdriver or hammer. Once the pegs are removed you can begin to disassemble the sash by taking out the stop moldings for sash as well as removing any sash cord knots connected, and then taking the sash off itself. The next step is to weigh the sash to determine the amount of weight it requires for functioning. You can find old weights for sash replacement online or at a few home improvement stores, but ensure that you purchase the right size to ensure not to over or under weight the sash. Sash Cords Sash cords that are worn or damaged can cause problems with the sash window. Sash cords are under constant pressure from the weights which can cause them break over time, particularly when they're not maintained properly. If the cords break, the sashes will no longer open and close easily. The issue could be caused by a variety of reasons that can cause it, such as excessive force, aging, lack of maintenance, and the accumulation of moisture. When you repair windows, it's important to replace the old cords with new ones that are made from a material that will last and resist moisture. Begin by removing the internal stops and the thin strips of wood that hold the sashes in place, with a utility knife and a the chisel. Pry the stops off the sashes with care, and keep an eye out for any cracked or broken ones. After removing the stops you can get access to the weights on the sash by opening the jamb or taking out the weight pocket. upvc sash repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk requires a bit of effort 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 then pulling them out. Remove the sash and place it aside. Take off the staff bead. This is the nail that holds the sash in place. Put the nail about a foot length into the hole. This will stop the sash from slipping away while you string the counterweights. After installing the upper sash again then reattach the sash cords and ensure that the sashes are in a balanced position and move smoothly. Install the lower sash and repeat the procedure. Check that the sashes have been properly placed and are moving smoothly. After you've finished installing the counterweights, reattach the sash cords, by inserting an sash cord into the pulleys, and then threading the cord's other end through a knot hole inside the sash, ensuring it is secured in place. Repeat the process for each side of the sash until all cords are replaced and the sashes are operating normal. Air and drafts Leaks Over time, materials that connect 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 preferences regarding comfort and skill level influence whether you can self-manage window sash repairs or require professional input. The status of the property in the past and structural integrity issues also impact the scope of work required. When cold air sneaks in through a sluggish window, your furnace is forced to perform overtime to keep your home warm. This inefficiency is a drain on your heating costs and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system. Drafts can also impact the quality of indoor air and disrupt indoor comfort by the infiltration of allergens, pollutants and humidity from the outside. A typical indication of a drafty window is the sensation of cold air circulating through your home despite all doors and windows being closed. Other signs to be aware of are changes in temperature near the window, as well as condensation around the sill or frame. Fixing drafty windows can be a simple task, which can reduce your energy costs and increase your comfort in the home. Start by inspecting the exterior of the window. Examine for bare wood and areas where the caulking has cracked, opening the air gap. Examine the interface of the sash with the frame. This includes the parting beads, and the staff bead. Examine the condition of the weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these points to determine if it's intact and effective. If not, it's going to need to be replaced. Also, take note of the condition of glazing putty, a hard putty that holds 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 fix the problem, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty onto the inside of your window. To fix the glazing points, make use of a flat-bladed screwdriver push them into the right position. Wrap a piece of fabric and foam around each point. This acts as an insulation against cold air. Aesthetics Window sash repairs can give old windows a new look for less money than a complete window replacement. Particularly for those who have older homes, a complete replacement can be a big undertaking and a major cost. Sometimes, repairing window sashes can bring back the original beauty of a home and add value to it as well. It is crucial to pay attention to the condition and wear of window sashes to avoid any major issues. It is recommended to speak with an expert if you're uncertain about whether your windows require repair. The cost of a sash repair is typically lower than the expense to replace the entire window, and can reduce your energy bills in the process. First, lower the upper sash to the bottom. This is generally simple and allows you to observe the “parting beads”, which are the grooved bits on the rails at the junction that keep the two sliding sashes apart. They can be removed by a blade that is attached to the small pry-bar or putty-knife. They are typically fixed in place and painted, so you need to be careful not damage them or the sliding sash. After you've removed the parting beads, the next step is to remove the pocket covers. These are small pieces of wood which are fixed to the frame at the bottom. They provide access to the sashweights. After the nails have been removed then you can move the sash upwards and downwards to ensure it moves in a smooth manner. If it doesn't, there may be problems with the counterweights or sash cords. After you've inspected all of these, you can fix them if needed. Wooden windows have a natural beauty that blends seamlessly with traditional and contemporary interiors. They can also be customized, with many paint and stain options. However, wooden windows do require regular maintenance to prevent damage and decay.