Notes

10 Healthy Habits To Use Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. If upvc windows repair catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window 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 to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their ropes which should have slipped 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 remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, 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 could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top 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 susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of 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). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

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

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once you have the sash 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 before you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and require removal. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is 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. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems 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 cord or chain and attach it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.


It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got 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.

Read More: https://www.openlearning.com/u/wilcoxleach-s5nfk9/blog/14CommonMisconceptionsAboutDoubleGlazingWindowsRepair