10 Strategies To Build Your Window Sash Repairs Empire

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early on before they become too much.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

window repairs Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass 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 find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.


To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is 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 must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.

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Pub: 06 Feb 2024 11:54 UTC
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