Windows are an integral part of both the exterior and interior of a structure. While the interior side of the window is largely protected, the exterior side is exposed to the elements day after day for years and, in many cases, decades.

As a result, windows experience wear and tear over their lifetime, and as different components wear down or break over time, they will need to be repaired or replaced to maintain the integrity of the window. Often, parts don’t need to be replaced at the same time and the entire window doesn’t require replacement. So, what is the best way to repair a window or go about finding replacement parts?

The first step to finding replacement parts is to determine whether your window is a casement or a double-hung window. Casement windows open out with a crank mechanism while a double-hung window slides up to open. Both types of windows contain some of the same parts, but each one will have its own unique needs.

Let’s look at the parts of a window that will typically need to be replaced and how to find replacement parts.

Hardware

The hardware on a window consists of the locking mechanism on both casement and single- or double-hung windows. Casement windows also include the crank and arm that opens and closes the window, as well as hinges on the side for a casement that opens horizontally and on the top for one that opens vertically. Window cranks can lock into place, acting as an additional lock.

Single- and double-hung windows include jamb liners, a balance and tilt pins. Some single or double-hung windows also include a handle on the sash to assist in opening and closing the window.

Over time, window hardware can become loose and in need of tightening, but it can also malfunction or break altogether, at which point, you will need to replace it.

Window hardware is relatively easy to replace with the right tools and quality replacement hardware, some of which can be found at a hardware store or ordered online. Even if the window is out of production, you should still be able to find compatible hardware.

Glass

If the glass in the window is foggy, broken, chipped or missing, it is important to replace it as quickly as possible to reduce injuries or drafts. You can replace the glass by itself, or if there are other issues, you can replace the sash rather than the entire window.

Sash

The sash is the operable part of the window — the part that opens and closes. In a casement window, the sash swings open either vertically or horizontally. A single-hung window has one sash that moves up and down while a double-hung window has two sashes that can move independently of one another.

Many window issues can be remedied by replacing the window sash, including foggy glass, poor weather stripping, rotting wood and broken grilles. Unfortunately, many windows have been discontinued by their manufacturers, making it difficult to find replacement sashes when they’re needed.

Luckily, just because the window is out of production doesn’t mean it can’t be replaced or repaired. At Fenster, we create replica windows to replace those that are out of production. We also offer sash rebuild kits that allow you to use your existing window’s glass and hardware if they are in good condition, but the sash itself is not.

Tips for Ordering Replacement Window Parts

• Remove and measure the original part.

• Look through our catalog to find a matching part.

• Check your handing to determine if the part is for the left or right hand — many parts are not interchangeable.

• For casement cranks, measure the arm to ensure you’re ordering the correct piece.

• Pay close attention to subtle differences like the mounting hole and tab placement, shape and size of the housing, mounting positions, off-sets and bracket shapes. Some parts look the same except for a few subtle differences.

• Choose the right color to match the existing window.

Installation 101

You don’t need a wealth of window knowledge to replace window hardware.  If you can turn a screw driver and have a little mechanical sense, you can save on the handyman call and get it done yourself.  The simplest advice we can give is this: put the new part back on the way you took the old one off.  Assuming you have the right part, the mounting holes should all line up.

Our most common orders are for casement operators, so we’ll walk you through that installation.

1. First open the window about half way.

1. For both single and dual arm operators, there is a track on the bottom of the sash frame with a cut-out roughly in the middle.  Some even have an arrow stamped on the track showing where the cut-out is.  Align the end of the long operator arm with this cut-out and push down on the tip to release it from the track.

1. For dual arm operators, the lower, inside corner of the sash will have a second bracket with a shorter control arm attached.  These typically have a silver retainer clip holding the arm to a post on the bracket.  Slide the retainer click back to release the arm.

1. For operators with a plastic cover (Truth entry guard) remove the handle by loosening the set screw at the base of the handle and pull off the cover by gently squeezing.  For single arm operators with a metal housing, skip this step.

1. The wood stool cap will either be screwed down or nailed.  The screw heads will be located in the channel where the screen fits.  The screw heads may be puttied or caulked over.  You will have to clean out the screw heads to remove them.  If you can’t find any screws, it is probably blind nailed from the bottom meaning there will not be any nail heads.  Work a small pry bar or putty knife under the cap and gently work it up from side to side until it is free from the nails.  In most cases, the nails will stay in place, allowing you to reseat the cap back over the nails later.

1. The operator assembly should now be exposed.  Remove the 4-6 screws mounting it to the sill.  Assuming you have the correct replacement, the new operator should go right back in its place using the same screws and holes.

1. Reverse the previous steps in order and you’re done.  This should take about 15 minutes.

Restore Your Windows with Fenster

If you need replacement parts for windows, Fester can help! At Fenster, we can recreate discontinued parts and pieces that allow you to restore or renew your older windows. Our range of products includes:

• Casement Window Sash Replacements

• Double Hung Sash Replacements

• Double Hung Balance Kits

• Jamb Liners

• QuikSash

• Sash Rebuild Kits

• Window Hardware

Our detailed Ordering Info Checklist will help you determine what you’ll need and where you’ll find it to make the process as painless as possible.

Contact the experts at Fenster today to request a quote for your window replacement parts.