How Much Can Window Sash Repairs Experts Earn? Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for many years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.


Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen 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 open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn 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 require before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored 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 fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

window repairs near me of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item 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'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.