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10 Window Sash Repairs That Are Unexpected
Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. 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, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights


Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. sash window repair milton keynes helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.

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