Any person that owns a period style home would have encountered the frustration of having one or two older sliding style windows that just refuse to work properly. Most resort to having the offensive pane removed and replaced with a modern version. However when considering that many of these are around 120 years old or more it seems such a waste and sash window repairs would cost considerably less.
Frames like these were hand made and are usually very heavy, which is one of the reasons that if it is not regularly maintained then problems will be encountered. All of these windows, despite preconceived ideas, are actually quite easy to repair. A typical pane is made up of a top and bottom sash which slides into a closed or open position.
These parts are meant to be able to move along the inner length of the box like frame, with the help of counterbalance systems. Besides problems with not being able to open properly, most also start to rattle and allow exterior sounds and breezes through. This is because of any allowance needed in the frame for the free movements of the sash. As with the previous mentioned problem this is also easily fixed.
There are a few steps that need to be taken to repair or maintain one of these "old timers". Firstly a person will need to dismantle the entire window. The lower sash is held in place by two thin strips of wood which can be gently removed using a chisel and rubber hammer. On removal of this wood strip on either side the bottom part can be removed.
Sometimes the sash cord may still be attached, simply cut it but be sure to hold the little weight firmly to stop it from slipping in the bottom opening of the frame. Removing the upper sashes is somewhat similar and once again a vertical strip of wood is all that holds it in place. It is suggested that one replace all the cords at one time to ensure that this does not have to be redone in a few months time again.
The frame has lower compartments that house the main iron weight; another wood panel must be removed in order to expose these long heavy bars. These panels should not be difficult to remove unless some one else screwed it into place then it may take a little more time to expose this pocket.
Here an individual will also be able to access the pulleys which are either made from copper or iron. These are more often than not working smoothly due to years of built up dirt and paint. Clean the pulley properly and add a drop of oil to get it rolling freely again. If damaged in any way then luckily replacements can be purchased, just make sure to take an old one as a sample.
Next is the usual obvious problem and that is the replacement of a broken cord. As mentioned before it is best to do the full length and one must make sure that a thick 8-string cord is purchased. The cord must be cut into 2 pieces, make sure to add extra length and then put it through the pulley at the top.
Feed the cord into the hole at the top of each long weight and back out the side before tying a stop-knot to prevent it from pulling back through. Nautical styled knots seem to be the most effective when doing this. Cut off the excess cord and pull it taut so as to reinsert the iron weights and then put the panel back together. Finally re attach the cording to the sash window using a series of knots or nails, then slide the pane back in place but first pull the weights taut against the pulley.
Do the above steps for both the top and bottom sashes to ensure that both operate smoothly. Tack the wooden "beads" into place to secure the window and that is a Sash window repair completed. To seal any draughts a patented brush pile system can be installed as well.
If the correct steps are done correctly when doing your sash window repairs, you may find that you only have to do the job over in about fifteen or so years time. There is a lot to consider when taking on a project such as this, so make sure you know what you are doing. In the event that you need assistance, do not hesitate to call one of the many experienced professionals for advice.
Frames like these were hand made and are usually very heavy, which is one of the reasons that if it is not regularly maintained then problems will be encountered. All of these windows, despite preconceived ideas, are actually quite easy to repair. A typical pane is made up of a top and bottom sash which slides into a closed or open position.
These parts are meant to be able to move along the inner length of the box like frame, with the help of counterbalance systems. Besides problems with not being able to open properly, most also start to rattle and allow exterior sounds and breezes through. This is because of any allowance needed in the frame for the free movements of the sash. As with the previous mentioned problem this is also easily fixed.
There are a few steps that need to be taken to repair or maintain one of these "old timers". Firstly a person will need to dismantle the entire window. The lower sash is held in place by two thin strips of wood which can be gently removed using a chisel and rubber hammer. On removal of this wood strip on either side the bottom part can be removed.
Sometimes the sash cord may still be attached, simply cut it but be sure to hold the little weight firmly to stop it from slipping in the bottom opening of the frame. Removing the upper sashes is somewhat similar and once again a vertical strip of wood is all that holds it in place. It is suggested that one replace all the cords at one time to ensure that this does not have to be redone in a few months time again.
The frame has lower compartments that house the main iron weight; another wood panel must be removed in order to expose these long heavy bars. These panels should not be difficult to remove unless some one else screwed it into place then it may take a little more time to expose this pocket.
Here an individual will also be able to access the pulleys which are either made from copper or iron. These are more often than not working smoothly due to years of built up dirt and paint. Clean the pulley properly and add a drop of oil to get it rolling freely again. If damaged in any way then luckily replacements can be purchased, just make sure to take an old one as a sample.
Next is the usual obvious problem and that is the replacement of a broken cord. As mentioned before it is best to do the full length and one must make sure that a thick 8-string cord is purchased. The cord must be cut into 2 pieces, make sure to add extra length and then put it through the pulley at the top.
Feed the cord into the hole at the top of each long weight and back out the side before tying a stop-knot to prevent it from pulling back through. Nautical styled knots seem to be the most effective when doing this. Cut off the excess cord and pull it taut so as to reinsert the iron weights and then put the panel back together. Finally re attach the cording to the sash window using a series of knots or nails, then slide the pane back in place but first pull the weights taut against the pulley.
Do the above steps for both the top and bottom sashes to ensure that both operate smoothly. Tack the wooden "beads" into place to secure the window and that is a Sash window repair completed. To seal any draughts a patented brush pile system can be installed as well.
If the correct steps are done correctly when doing your sash window repairs, you may find that you only have to do the job over in about fifteen or so years time. There is a lot to consider when taking on a project such as this, so make sure you know what you are doing. In the event that you need assistance, do not hesitate to call one of the many experienced professionals for advice.
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