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Five Window Sash Repairs Projects To Use For Any Budget
Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove window repairs near me and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute 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 on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.


If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner 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 is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down 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 must be removed or moved. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.

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