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15 Shocking Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You'd Never Been Educated About
Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.


Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If window repairs continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to locate replacements.

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

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

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