Doors and Windows - Old Wood Double Hung Windows - Repair

I'm working on fixing some old double hung windows (hope i have that term correct) in my bedroom to help with insulation and blah blah blah before winter hits.

My first question is... i've pulled off the stoppers so i can pull out the inner sash, and i've pulled off the trim so i have access to the chain/weight system. One of the chains is missing (the weight was laying at the bottom) so should i put in a new one just there, or should i do both sides?

Second question... A couple of the old windows in my house have cracked glass (the bathroom window shattered). How easy is it to replace the glass? I'm thinking I can pull the bottom panel of the sash off, pull out the rest of the glass, clear out any caulk or paint, slide in new glass, caulk and go. Is this accurate? Can I use the glass that I can buy at home depot, or should I try and get some sort of tempered glass or something?

Third Question... which might be better off in the weather stripping section, but I've been googling weather stripping, because i should definitely install that while I have these windows apart. But i'm not sure exactly how to install the stripping. Does it go on the edge of the sash stop that faces outside? or on the sash? I havent been able to get a clear explaination through google, and I was hoping someone could give me a clear explaination (pictures are awesome) before I tackle that.

Thanks everyone... I'm new to this forum and hope I get some great answers. I'm pretty DIY, and i'm planning on putting easy step by step instructions on how to do this when i'm done, since I cant find any when i google it.


THANKS!

Do both sides while you have the chance.

Sort of. Hack out the old glazing with a hacking knife (think of a dull wood chisel with the dull tip against the glass, and instead of hammering the butt end you tap the blade on one side, forcing the whole of the chisel away from you, while it slides against the glass & hacks the old glazing out). Prime the bare wood, apply a bed of putty, insert an 1/8” undersized double strength pane, put in push points, apply putty & smooth.

Depends on the type of stripping. Spring metal (typically copper colored) goes vertically in the sash channels and across the lower meeting rail of the upper sash. Flat compressible foam goes on the bottom of the lower sash where it seals against the sill. Vinyl tube goes against mating surfaces.

If you can afford it, consider replacement windows..

One of the chains is missing so should i put in a new one just there, or should i do both sides?
Just one side is fine. IF you're doing the chains. However, I'd recommend getting rid of the chains and the weights and insulating the hollow pocket where the weights go (see below).

How easy is it to replace the glass? I'm thinking I can pull the bottom panel of the sash off, pull out the rest of the glass, clear out any caulk or paint, slide in new glass, caulk and go. Is this accurate? Can I use the glass that I can buy at home depot, or should I try and get some sort of tempered glass or something? It's easy to replace single pane glass, but you're missing a few steps. Putty dries out over time, so it's nice to prime the wood where putty/caulk will go after removing the old putty. This helps prevent the wood from absorbing the moisture in the new putty. Also, when putting in the new glass, you need to secure the glass with glaziers points (a metal tack made for holding the glass in place) before puttying the window. That way if the putty ever flaked off the glass is still held in place. Glaziers points cost about $1 for a small box of them. You'll also need to paint the putty (or caulk) several days afterwards to keep the putty soft and to make it color matched.
Does it go on the edge of the sash stop that faces outside? or on the sash? The answer is "yes." Different types go on in different ways. Here is the best way (in my opinion): Get rid of the weights and the chains/ropes and insulate the hollow pocket where the weights are, as mentioned earlier. Buy a pair of window channels (a track for the left and right side of the windows). They come in various lengths and are made to grip the sashes. Shaped like a double "U" channel if you can visualize that. They cut down drafts, the grip is adjustable, they eliminate the need for chains/ropes/pulleys, and they weatherstrip the windows. By gripping the windows they hold them in place without ropes and work pretty well. Cost is about $25/pair. One brand that comes to mind is made by Quaker City Manufacturing. Google "Window Fixer" in quotes along with Quaker. Sold at numerous hardware stores.

I have very old windows. Most of the screws have been painted over and one of my chains holding up my window broke. I can still open and close it fine of course but it isn't an important window. Could I still open and close it with ease if i just took the other chain off and didn't have any on either side?

Could I still open and close it with ease if i just took the other chain off and didn't have any on either side? Unlikely. The chain attached to the sash weight is what holds up the sash when opened. If you detach the chain the sash will normally not stay up. The weight/chains also make the window easier to open.