A Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Wood Window Sashes
Understanding how to repair wooden window sashes is crucial when you’re faced with issues that disrupt their functionality.
If windows are working properly, it’s easy to take them for granted, but when they’re broken, you notice. Whether it’s a faulty balance system or a rotten sash frame, often, wooden sash windows can be repaired rather than replaced, which saves both time and money and restores your window to working order.
Repairing rather than replacing a woodem sash window is often the ideal solution because it’s difficult to find a replacement for original wood windows. Many manufacturers have discontinued older styles and many of today’s windows favor other materials such as vinyl, aluminum, or composite. If you replace just one window, it may stand out as different from the others and detract from the home’s aesthetics.
Common Problems with Double-Hung Windows and How to Repair Them
The Problem: The Window Won’t Stay Open
If your double-hung window sash won’t stay open, gets stuck, or is difficult to slide up and down, you will likely need to replace the balance.
The Solution: Replace the Balance
Replacing the balance is easier than it sounds, and a double-hung balance kit makes it even easier.
- Determine the type of balance you have and order a replacement.
- Remove each sash by raising the lower sash lowering the upper sash and tilting it towards you and then tilting it at an angle and removing the tilt pins from the frame. Set each sash aside.
- Remove the jamb liner by releasing the internal flanges and sliding the liner out of the frame.
- Place the new jamb liner (which contains the replacement block and tackle balance) into the frame and tuck the flanges in on both sides. If using a different type of balance, attach it to the frame as per its instructions.
- Replace the sashes — the tilt pins will attach the sash to the balance to allow the window to be raised and lowered.
- Test the window to make sure the sash moves freely and stops where it should.
If you have a casement window that won’t open, then you likely need to replace the hardware. Shop hardware at fensterscomponents.com
The Problem: The Window Sash or Glass Is Damaged
If the window sash is damaged or rotted or the glass is cracked, a full replacement sash is likely the solution. If the sash is made of wood, it can be difficult to find a replacement sash that matches the original because many manufacturers have discontinued certain models over the years. Fortunately, here at Fenster, we offer Quiksash replacement sash kits that come with the following:
- Upper/lower sash set
- Universal double-hung design
- Jamb liner kit with heavy-duty balances
- Sash locks and bulb seals applied
You can also order a brand-specific replacement if needed.
The Solution: Replace the Sash
To replace the sash, follow these steps:
- Measure your windows to determine the correct size.
- Remove the existing sashes.
- Remove the jamb liner by using a putty knife to remove the flanges from the frame.
- Install the new jamb liner by putting it in place and tucking the flanges into the frame.
- Install the new sashes by placing the tilt pins in the new jamb liner and sliding the sash into place.
The Problem: The Hardware Is Broken
All moving window sashes include a few pieces of hardware that are necessary to ensure safety and smooth operation. The sash lock maintains safety while the lift allows you to open and close the window.
The Solution: Replace the Hardware
Replacing the hardware is usually a pretty simple job. Shop window hardware at fensterscomponents.com.
- Remove the defective piece of hardware.
- Replace it with a new lock or lift.
We Proudly Install Fenster Replacement Replica Sashes to Keep Your Windows in Working Order
Fenster builds handcrafted to-spec sashes that replicate existing brands and models. Their after-market replications of the original are designed to closely resemble the original. This allows you to replace individual windows rather than replace all of them or deal with one window that isn’t like the others.
Whether you need to replace the entire sash, the balance, or the hardware, ReWindow has you covered.
Start a quick quote today to get your window repair project started with ReWindow.