This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, start 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, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. window repair near me 's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. 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 on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in an labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.


Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They 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 beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, 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. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

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

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.