15 Startling Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You've Never Heard Of

Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they may become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the 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 scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.


It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. 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. window repair made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around 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 chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

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

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Pub: 05 Feb 2024 09:02 UTC
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