Andersen Windows & Doors began making windows and doors in 1903 and continues to provide window solutions to homeowners and contractors. Renewal by Andersen is their full-service window-replacement division that allows them to sell, design, manufacture, install, service and warranty all of their customer windows, including sash components. 

Double-hung windows consist of two sashes that move up and down independently of one another to create airflow through a room. Single-hung windows consist of one operable lower sash and one fixed upper sash.

These window styles also include the hardware that allows the sashes to move — the jambliner and balance — as well as a locking mechanism and a lift to aid in opening and closing the sash.

Andersen Windows & Doors are used for new construction, commercial, DIY and replacement windows, and they come in a range of materials — wood, Fibrex® composite material, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass. 

Andersen Renewal sash replacement kits are available in Fibrex® composite material, which is made of 40% wood fiber by weight, most of which is reclaimed from the Andersen manufacturing process, and 60% thermoplastic polymer by weight, a portion of which is also reclaimed. This material is twice as strong as vinyl and is appropriate for all climates by resisting rot, decay and fungal growth. It also won’t flake, blister, peel, pit or corrode. 

Let’s take a look at the components that may need to be replaced with an Andersen replacement sash kit.

Components That May Need to Be Replaced

Andersen window sash replacement kits can tackle a variety of problems to get your window back in working order.

• Lower Sash: The lower sash of both single- and double-hung windows slides up and down to allow air to circulate throughout the building. This component may need to be replaced if the wood is damaged or rotten or the glass or grids are broken.

• Upper Sash: The upper sash on a single-hung window is stationary while an upper sash on a double-hung window is operable. Like the lower sash, this part might need to be replaced if the wood is damaged or rotten or the glass or grids are broken.

• Jambliner & Balance: The balance is concealed in the jambliner and allows the window to open and close smoothly. It also holds the sash at the desired height. This component may need to be replaced if the sash sticks, doesn’t slide smoothly or if the sash won’t stay open. 

• Tilt Pins: Tilt pins are attached to the sash and fit into the track on the jambliner in order to connect with the balance system. This component may need to be replaced if the tilt pins are damaged or aren’t fitting into the track correctly.

• Lock & Keeper: The lock and keeper are used to lock the sash in the closed position. The lock attaches to the lower sash, and the keeper attaches to the upper sash. This component may need to be replaced if it is damaged or broken.

• Glass: Glass in modern windows is typically one large pane with decorative grilles to mimic the look of early windows that included multiple panes with grilles to hold them in place. This component may need to be replaced if the glass is broken, chipped, cracked or foggy or if the grilles are damaged.

Benefits of a Sash Replacement vs Window Replacement

Replacing an entire window, including the frame, requires removing the interior and exterior trim which can damage the surrounding drywall and paint. Then the entire window needs to be removed. To reinstall, you’ll have to add insulation to weight cavities if it’s an old window, reinstall the window and use shims to ensure the window is square. 

Once it’s in place and level, you’ll have to make sure the opening is flashed and sealed to reduce water infiltration and then repair any damaged drywall and repaint where needed.

Installing a replacement sash eliminates much of the work associated with replacing an entire window. The damaged sash can simply be removed from the frame and a new one can be reinstalled in its place. This offers several benefits, including:

• Lower Costs: Replacing the sash as opposed to the entire window, including the frame, is also less expensive than a full window replacement.

• Quicker Process: It is much faster to replace the sash rather than the entire window.

• Nothing Looks Out of Place: When one entire window is replaced, it will likely look newer than the other windows and will draw attention to one detail rather than seeing the house as a whole. Replacing the sash ensures the windows all still look the same.

Need a Sash Replacement? Fenster Can Help!

Need a sash replacement? Rely on our team at Fenster to help! While we don’t offer Andersen window sash replacement kits, we do provide window replacement solutions for other brands that are no longer in business or able to service their products. These brands include Caradco, Malta, Norco, Pozzi and more.

For these brands, we offer replica sashes that can be installed without having to undergo a full window replacement, which simplifies the entire process.

When using a replacement sash from Fenster, the frame is never removed or altered, which saves a significant amount of labor and ensures that the frame’s seal remains intact. The replacement window will blend in with the other windows that are still in good working order, ensuring that the aesthetics of the space remain intact. 

Contact us today to determine the best sash replacement solution for your windows. You can also check out our Hints, Tips & Helpful Information page which includes guidance for measuring your windows and installing the replacement sash. We look forward to hearing from you!