How to Take Out a Window Sash

Remove the sash to replace weights or balances.

Whether you are replacing a balance in a vinyl window or replacing the weights in a wooden window, removal of the window sash is necessary. Removing window sashes is different for vinyl and wood windows. Vinyl window sashes most often snap in and out of the window frame. Wooden sashes use a wooden trim stop in front of the lower sash that requires removal. Because of the complexity of removing wooden sashes, it is a good idea to have a friend help you.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Putty knife

Instructions

Wooden Window

1. Score the seam between the wooden window stops and the window frame with a utility knife. The stop is the piece of trim wood overlapping the lower window sash. Insert a putty knife between the stop and the window frame. Pry the stop away from the window frame. Repeat for the stop on the opposite side of the window.

2. Raise the lower sash all the way to the top of the window frame. If the sash will not stay up, ask a friend to hold the sash up in the frame. Remove the sash track from the window frame. The sash track is what the lower sash slides into when closed. Remove any screws securing the track within the frame with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pry the track away from the window frames. Repeat for the opposite side of the window frame.

3. Ask your helper to gently lower the bottom sash while pulling it away from the window frame enough that you can grab the sash cord. The sash cord attaches to the upper sides of the window sash. Grab the sash cord by the frame and pull the cord toward you to provide slack. Unhook the end of the sash cord from the sash and gently let go of the cord. Remove the opposite side sash cord in the same way. Remove the sash from the window.

4. Lower the upper sash while pulling it away from the window frame enough to access the sash cords on the sash. Ask your helper to hold the sash while you remove the cords as you did on the lower sash. Pull the upper sash away from the window frame.

Vinyl Window

1. Raise the lower sash 3 inches from the window sill. Press in on the locking tabs on the upper rail of the sash, and tilt the sash into the room as if you were cleaning the sash.

2. Grasp the lower sash on each side with your hands. Lift up one side of the sash to unhook the sash from the shoe. Lift up on the other side of the sash to disconnect it from the other side shoe. Pull the sash out of the window.

3. Lower the upper sash halfway down the window. Press in the lock tabs on the upper rail, and tilt the sash into the room. Grasp the sides of the upper sash, and remove in the same way you did the lower sash.

References

• Stained Glass Limited: Removing A Double-Hung Window
• Marvin Windows: How to Tilt and Remove Window Sash for Cleaning