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Window Sash Repairs Strategies From The Top In The Industry
Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes, 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 old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).


Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking Recommended Internet site of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at 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 the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some 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, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.

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