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What Do You Do To Know If You're Prepared For Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window 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 height and width so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat 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 day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out with time and 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 quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

window and door repairs is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. 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 ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will 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 remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.

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