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Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).


Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.

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 begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. 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

The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold 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 typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With window repair near me in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.

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