What Is The Best Place To Research Window Sash Repairs Online Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. window repair near me can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have 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 deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

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

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.


After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to 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. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.