20 Window Sash Repairs Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm

20 Window Sash Repairs Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate 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 and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can 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 very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it resolves 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.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later  window repairs near me  utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.


Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.