Notes

8 Tips To Up Your Window Sash Repairs Game
Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early, before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace 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, but you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

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 usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by many factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.


It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. upvc window repair is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oil 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 located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it using the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

My Website: https://moser-stevens.hubstack.net/10-facts-about-window-repair-that-will-instantly-put-you-in-an-optimistic-mood-1718246912