What Window Sash Repairs Will Be Your Next Big Obsession Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove window repair near me and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively 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 issue continues it's likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.


It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to place 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, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached 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 can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.