WINDOW SASHES CAN BE PROBLEM IN OLDER HOMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 3, 1993                   TAG: 9301040360
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: D-1   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: Curt Richert
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
WINDOW SASHES CAN BE PROBLEM IN OLDER HOMES
Do you have a home that has hard-to-open windows that make you break into a sweat when you just think about opening them? And then after opening the windows they slam shut? If it's an older home, the problem might be broken sash cords.
These are attached to the lower sash of the window and are counterbalanced on a pulley with a weight at the other end. The weight, which is inside the window frame, is what makes opening the window easier.
As time progresses, sash cords get old and often get painted during routine house maintenance. If the sash cords have jammed or are broken, opening the window can be as difficult as attempting to compete in the Olympic dead-lift without training. If you'd like help in knowing how to fix the problem, read on.
First remove the stop molding on the side with the broken sash cord so you can take out the lower sash. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damage on the stop molding to reduce cosmetic damage.
Pull the lower sash out and remove the remaining attached sash cord. In some homes, there is a panel in the lower part of the window track that will let you get to the weight inside the frame. If you can't find the panel, it may be painted. Some homes do not have panels, and you may have to remove the side molding of the window.
Find the weight and remove the old attached sash cord. To keep from having to replace the sash cords again later, replace the old cord with a sash chain, available from hardware stores or window supply companies. The chain is stronger, lasts longer and doesn't require much maintenance.
Insert the chain over the pulley and push through enough chain so you can see it in the removed panel or side molding. Use spare wire to tie the chain to the weight. Make sure the chain is not twisted else it might jam in the pulley. Test lifting the weight by the chain to make sure it is moving smoothly.
Have a friend to help you on this next part. Partly place the sash back into the groove. Leave the top part angled out. Have your friend hold the weight near the top of the inside of the frame while you use a couple of screws to attach the other end of the chain to the lower sash. Make sure the chain is flush in the channel where the cord was attached to the lower sash.
Place the sash back in the track. Carefully raise the window to make sure it goes up and down. When the window is raised in the track, the weight should be a few inches above the bottom of the frame.
Reattach the stop or side molding. Make sure the stop molding leaves enough room for the window to open, yet not enough room to let the sash rattle in the wind.

How to loosen a painted window
Take a wide-bladed putty knife and tap the blade into where the sash meets the stop molding to break the paint.
If the sash still does not move, take a hammer and lightly tap around the edges to loosen any paint that is still holding the window. Use a piece of scrap wood between the hammer and window to prevent damage.
To help the window move up, use a wedge at the bottom of the window to slowly pry up the window. Use the wedge all the way across the bottom to prevent from jamming the sash.
Use a putty knife or chisel to clean the window track. Lubricate the track with a spray silicone or apply wax to help the window move up and down.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB