Sash Window Repair - The Many Benefits

| Tuesday, June 7, 2011
By Robert William Burton


These windows have one or more 'sashes' (panels) acting as frames to hold panes of glass. The panels slide vertically, although they may also slide horizontally. They function by virtue of a lead or iron weight that is attached to a cord and passed over a pulley to counterbalance the panel. There are some older specimens that have quite complicated counterbalancing systems. This type of window is high maintenance. Some frequently encountered problems include rattling as a result of shrinkage and sticking due to poor application of paint. Distortion and/or swelling of the woodwork may occur, as also rot. Timely sash window refurbishment can eliminate the need to replace them altogether.

The work may be done by an outside contractor or it may be achieved by the home owner. They may need to be fitted with new cords and rebalanced by adding or subtracting weights. Excess paint may be chipped away or chemically removed. Pulleys can be lubricated. Sash lifts and Brighton fasteners can be fitted. These tend to be brass or chrome, although other materials can be used. Brush pile, parting beads and staff beads can be replaced and brush pile draught proofing systems fitted.

Robert Hooke (1635-1703), British inventor and scientist, has been credited with their invention. Hooke invented the a type of microscope and introduced the biological term, 'cell' into the English language to indicate an anatomical unit of structure. He also served the Royal Society as Curator of Experiments for thirty years.

Hooke is also credited with inventing the wheel barometer, anemometer and hydrometer. He worked as a surveyor and architect for Christopher Wren after the Fire of London in 1666 and constructed Robert Boyle's air pump.

Some of the earliest examples of sash windows appear in Ham House (not to be confused with Mathias Ham House) in Ham near the River Thames south of Richmond in London. The National Trust claims that Ham House is 'unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17th Century fashion ... ' Lady Elizabeth Murray, Countess of Dysart, is said to have played a major role in the design of the estate. The house was built for Sir Thomas Vavasour in the year 1610 and is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of the Duchess of Lauderdale and her dog. The spectres were allegedly captured on film in June 2009.

The design is frequently observed in Victorian and Georgian houses. The 'classic' pattern is three panes horizontally by two panes vertically on each panel. Vermeer's painting, 'The Milkmaid' depicts such a window, although not of the classic design. The painting shows a healthily-built young woman in a kitchen, apparently pouring milk into a a 'Dutch oven' bearing a bread pudding.

Refurbishing your windows can greatly expand their lifespan and maintain the building's historical integrity, often a statutory requirement. Rattles and drafts are eliminated and noise from outside is reduced. Repairing, rather than replacing, your windows certainly has economic advantages.

Other advantages of window refurbishment include reduced dirt and dust, less external noise and improved security. Better insulation means lower heating bills and environmental friendliness. Double or even triple glazing may be added to the reconditioning to improve insulation and noise reduction.




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