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10 Healthy Habits For A Healthy Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they may become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out 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 width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).


Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical 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 get back It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when 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 need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should now 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 With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on he has a good point of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.

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