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Window Sash Repairs 101: Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically 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 that fixes the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of 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. why not try here is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.


After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with 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 might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.

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