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Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This problem could be caused by various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.


It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using the previous step. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

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