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The Best Window Sash Repairs That Gurus Use 3 Things
Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand 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 width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least a day. After the putty has completely cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.


Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from 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).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

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

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After window repair has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.

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