Window Sash Repairs 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early, before they become too much.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repair s is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware


The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with 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 usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple 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 begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and 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 get back It is therefore important to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off 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 before you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it 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 screwed or nailed into and require removal. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.