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Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on, before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When double glazing repairs Lewisham fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

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

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.





After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.