A Guide To Window Sash Repairs From Start To Finish Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early on before they get out of hand.


The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. window repairs can cause drafts if worn or 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). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the right location after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie 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 using pin punches and hammers. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight has been installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays 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 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 prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it using the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.