Window Sash Repairs 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early, before they become too much.


The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer 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 the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is 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 news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If window repairs fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can 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 old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. It is important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

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

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.

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Pub: 04 Feb 2024 00:04 UTC
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