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How To Tell If You're Set To Go After Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin 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 the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.


After the sash has been cleared, you can replace 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 trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news 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 issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, simply click the up coming document can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. 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 changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its 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 will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.

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