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

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights


Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After upvc window repair have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should be able move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.

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