There Are Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, 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 do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping


Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window 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 height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

window repairs Orpington and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps 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 will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although 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 at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.