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What Window Sash Repairs Will Be Your Next Big Obsession
Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping


Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide 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 replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with 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 help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This could be caused by many factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. 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.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can get 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 position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. describes it may be 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 removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're 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 the sash open.

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