What Is The Reason Window Sash Repairs Is Right For You Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining your window's 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 that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that separate 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 stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then 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 is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.


Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then secure it in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.