How Window Sash Repairs Its Rise To The No. 1 Trend On Social Media Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, they can 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 maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take window repair near me off and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then 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 day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong 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 hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address 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 is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many 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 needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights


No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It's important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.