Window Sash Repairs 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove window repair and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block 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 your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. 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 with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, 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 chain or cord, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.