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

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. window repair 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 width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame 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).


Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the position 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 beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.