Decide On Sash Window Refurbishment Or Replacement Which Option Is The Best For Yourself In Your Case For You

| Thursday, December 29, 2011
By James Trent


When one is trying to decide whether replacement or refurbishment of a sash window is better it is important to take some time and understand the working of the system. It is also necessary to know one's options as well. So, sash window refurbishment or replacement which option is the best really depends on what is wrong with the system as a whole. It also depends on which is more cost effective.

A sash window is really an aperture containing one or multiple panes of glazed glass or plastic. Sometimes really good quality vinyl can also be used in place of glass or plastic panes. This allows for cost cutting while at the same time allowing for a great looking aperture. Sash systems are not like the conventional windows. These are two or multiple frames that slide up and down vertically. Unlike the conventional aperture, only half the window can be opened by sliding the bottom half up.

The mechanism that is included with the aperture ensures that the sliding part remains in the position it is left in. There is no need to lock the pane into position by any means. The mechanism usually consists of weights concealed in the side casing but springs are also used in some systems. It is because of the casing that houses the balancing system of the sliding panes that the system is also referred to as a case window.

The counter weight system comprises a pulley fixed at the top of the case by the side of the window, over this pulley is strung a cord connected to the sliding frame and the weights. The weights are equal to the weight of the sliding panel. This is why the panel stays in the position it is left. If the weights were heavier than the panel they would open and keep the frame open. If they were lighter the panel would slide down and remain closed.

Now, what can go wrong with a sash system? Pretty little one would imagine. When the pulley mechanism breaks it can be refurbished, or if the springs grow weak they can be replaced fairly cheaply. However when the wood or the glass breaks it could, depending on the damage to the aperture, lead to a lot of expense and here in may lie the logic of spending a little more and getting a refurbished system installed.

Because these systems are normally constructed out of soft wood they need replacement every few years. Though windows are known to have lasted for nearly a century, these have been maintained and treated well by the owners. Modern day systems are made out of light weight metal or PVC such as aluminium. These apertures need little or no maintenance.

If the mechanical parts such as the pulley and the springs are regularly oiled or greased, like once in a few months they will remain in perfect working condition for years and replacement or refurbishment will not be necessary.

It does not take expert knowledge to keep a sash aperture looking great and working perfectly. The side casings can be opened without removing the entire window. Oiling the springs and keeping the frames of the panes painted or polished with wax polish can ensure that the system will not need replacement or repairs for years to come.




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