15 Unexpected Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You Didn't Know About Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.


The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start 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, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. 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 fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

window repairs is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by a variety of factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely 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 have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside 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. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

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

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.