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8 Tips To Improve Your Window Sash Repairs Game
Window Sash Repairs

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

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 perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

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

After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops 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 a putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

window repairs near me that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash to access the hardware.


Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bexley-windowrepair/