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Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. window repair near me will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand 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 new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use scrap 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 a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.


Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is essential 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 the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight has been installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep 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 nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in the previous step. You can use 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 is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

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