20 Questions You Must Always ASK ABOUT Sash Window Repairs Before Buying It Sash Window Repairs

If sash windows don't receive regular maintenance, they could be ineffective. This can lead to drafts, energy loss and water damage.

Paint can crack and peel leaving the wood exposed to the elements. Expert joiners will repaint or re-stain it, fixing any damage.

An easel is an excellent tool to work on sash windows as it provides a stable platform to work from. A good scraper can also be necessary.

Broken or worn Sash Cords

Over time, sash cords may become brittle and snap or break. This can be the result of a window issue, such as a broken pulley, or happen when the sash has been shut and opened several times. The sash might be difficult to move, without an enormous amount of effort or even slipping.

To repair broken cords for sash, first open the window and look for the parting beads, a thin strip of wood that divides the sashes that are lower and upper. Using an screwdriver, gently pry the bead away from the frame. After removing the bead, you can begin to remove the sash. After the sash is removed, you'll need to locate the two weights made of cast iron that are stored in pockets on either side. In most cases, there is one weight in the back (towards the exterior side of the window frame) and the other in front (towards the inside side of the frame). Remove both of them from their pockets and put them aside.

Once you have removed the counterweights, remove the access panel from the sash channel. You may need a chisel or screws to remove the panel depending on what type of window you own. After the panel is removed, you'll be able to see the spring that is coiled to help retract the sash cords. If this isn't functioning properly, you might be able to hear windows trying to move, and you may feel a slight resistance.

Re-coiling the spring will fix this issue. Once window sash replacement -coil, you can secure it to the wall using a piece of cord. This is crucial because a loose knot may cause the cords to break and not retract when needed.

After the cords have been re-tied and secured, you can replace the access panels and jambliner and slide the sash back into place. Make sure you check the new cords to ensure they are long enough and securely tied. After that, you can re-insert the sash cords in the slots and holes on the sides of the lower sash and place the counterweights back into their pockets. You can now test your work. Slide the sash up-and-down to ensure it is moving smoothly.

Air and drafts Leaks

Sash windows can experience drafts or air leaks due to the aging process, damage, or poor construction. These issues could be a sign that windows are in need of being replaced. However they can be fixed with a little effort.

Weather stripping that is damaged or missing could cause drafts and air leaks. Foam tape or similar products is a good choice to seal the gaps between the sash and the frame. This will help to seal the gap and keep out hot or cold air. If the weather stripping is damaged, folded over or is missing, it could cause drafts and energy inefficiency.

If the wood on your windows are getting rotten, you'll probably need to replace windows. It's not always the situation. Your Tasker may be capable of saving the timber by making some careful repairs. The easiest way to determine whether your sash window's timber is rotting, is to drive a screwdriver through the wood and see whether it goes all the way.

An easy fix is to replace the cover and bead. This can be accomplished by cutting the paint between the sash and the frame using the help of a utility knife, then taking the pocket cover off or the parting bead off using a chisel or scraper. It's easy to replace the beading because it is available in similar designs.

After the repairs are completed, you can usually count on your sash windows to remain functional and beautiful again! While it's not always feasible to revive older sash windows that are considered to be beyond repair, the majority of windows can be restored and salvaged to provide decades of dependable service. Booking a Tasker is a good idea for window repairs that are more complex than standard scratches or corrosion. These jobs can take longer to be completed. Most Taskers can complete these types of repairs in a matter of hours or less.

Rotting Wood

As wood rots, it loses its ability to hold nails or other fasteners. This loss of structural strength could cause damage to windows, or even collapse. Patching wood windows that are rotting can be a good fix however, replacing them is usually a better solution. To prevent rotting, inspect your windows on a regular basis for signs of moisture buildup and make sure to fix any problems that you discover.

When you perform routine maintenance, you must clean your windows to remove the dirt and grime that may block the movement of the sashes. Dehumidifiers are also a great option to control humidity, as excessive moisture can cause wood to stick and expand. To keep sash windows operating smoothly, you should also apply a thin coating of wax on the tracks and sashes of windows to ensure lubrication.

The first step when a sash becomes stuck is to inspect the counterweights. If the counterweights are in good working order and there is no evidence of imbalance, the issue could be due to air leaks or drafts. You can seal the draft using foam tape, rope caulk or other adhesives.

It is possible to save a window that has minimal decay by using a wooden filler to repair the damaged area. Choose a filler that matches the color and style of your wood to create smooth appearance. After the filler dries and is smooth, sand it before painting. If you notice that a portion of your sash is completely decayed, replacing it new wood will be the best option.

It can be difficult to remove old wooden sash windows, but it is important to keep as much of the original frame intact as possible to cut down on the cost of labor and avoid accidental damage. Take a photograph of the window before you begin to use it as a guide to disassemble it. You can also make an easel out of framing wood so that you can work standing up while obtaining the best angles for glazing and scraping. A high-quality scraper like the Bahco will make the task much easier by allowing you to adjust the blades to get just the right angle for any curved areas of the sash.

Damaged Frame

As windows age, frames be damaged or decayed. It is important to know that you can usually repair the wooden frames instead of replacing them. This is a big project that requires lots of materials.

This is a job that takes from a few hours to an entire day. A professional can remove rotted pieces as well as apply wood fillers and use natural preservers to prolong the lifespan of your window. This will help you save money on your energy bills and also stop drafts from entering your home.

A tasker will also replace rotting or damaged sills as well as parts of the sash. They will often use your original window as a reference, so you don't have to purchase a new set.

To repair a damaged sash first steam the sash in order to remove any varnish or paint. Scrape the sash to the wood grain before priming it with glazing putty, reinstalling it, and installing glass. Then, sand the frame and sash smooth, and apply a couple coats of primer and paint.


Earlier sashes were joined together with wooden pegs tapered and driven through a mortise and tenon. This type of joint is more difficult to remove and requires the use of a handsaw, a knife or a pick to cut through the glueline. Later sashes utilized glue, which is easier to break apart.

After the sash has been repaired, it's time to reinstall the vinyl track in the frame. Release the pawls on each locking terminal with the help of a screwdriver, and lower the sash so that it is seated in the vinyl jamb liners.

Before reinstalling the sash, it is important to set it in glazing putty. This is a mix of chalk and linseed oil and you can purchase it from any hardware store. Keep some extra pieces of chalk on hand to make the putty more workable and for cleaning. After the putty has been mixed, you can knead it until smooth. Add more chalk if needed to create an even consistency.