In the opinion of many, sash windows are an intrinsic feature of 'period' homes and should be saved at all costs. Well, maybe not ALL costs, but definitely worth the time and trouble to repair rather than replace. Some repairs are easy enough to do yourself so here's a little about how sash windows work.
It was once said by a gentleman who made his business restoring old houses, "Less than half the people who live in older houses have ever seen the windows work as was intended." He's probably right. The good news is that a great many window repairs are quick and easy to do and can return the window back to new (or close). Some fixes you might even be a able to do yourself.
Sometimes, all it takes to fix an inoperable sash window is the removal of a zillion coats of paint. If the window has been there for decades (or centuries, even), there's a good chance it's taken a few coats of paint. Sometimes one right over the last, right over the last again.
One problem most common to all sash windows is a malfunctioning of the weight and pulley system that's used in counter-balancing of the sash. After any number of years of operation, the ropes or chains just wear out and need replacement. This can be another DIY for some. The weight system is reached through the removal of a cover plate located on the window frame surface.
The chains or ropes that suspend the weights are going to need replacement sometime. These things get old after decades of going up and down every day. Fixing the problem is fairly easy and straightforward and if you're handy you might even be able to handle it yourself.
Here's the best advice. Old sash windows should be repaired rather than replaced. They're already old and been doing their job with little appreciation. They would love it if you decided to fix them up, good as new. You'd love it too. Modern, trendy, plastic windows just don't look good on an older house.
Here's a little more advice. If you want to find someone to fix your windows, look for someone who makes that kind of work his specialty. He'll know how sash windows work and how to fix them when they don't. Use a specialist. They're out there.
It was once said by a gentleman who made his business restoring old houses, "Less than half the people who live in older houses have ever seen the windows work as was intended." He's probably right. The good news is that a great many window repairs are quick and easy to do and can return the window back to new (or close). Some fixes you might even be a able to do yourself.
Sometimes, all it takes to fix an inoperable sash window is the removal of a zillion coats of paint. If the window has been there for decades (or centuries, even), there's a good chance it's taken a few coats of paint. Sometimes one right over the last, right over the last again.
One problem most common to all sash windows is a malfunctioning of the weight and pulley system that's used in counter-balancing of the sash. After any number of years of operation, the ropes or chains just wear out and need replacement. This can be another DIY for some. The weight system is reached through the removal of a cover plate located on the window frame surface.
The chains or ropes that suspend the weights are going to need replacement sometime. These things get old after decades of going up and down every day. Fixing the problem is fairly easy and straightforward and if you're handy you might even be able to handle it yourself.
Here's the best advice. Old sash windows should be repaired rather than replaced. They're already old and been doing their job with little appreciation. They would love it if you decided to fix them up, good as new. You'd love it too. Modern, trendy, plastic windows just don't look good on an older house.
Here's a little more advice. If you want to find someone to fix your windows, look for someone who makes that kind of work his specialty. He'll know how sash windows work and how to fix them when they don't. Use a specialist. They're out there.
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Find out everything you need to know about easy ways to maintain and repair your windows at a sash window workshop today! Discover easy ways you can easily increase the value of your home when you have sash window repairs done as soon as they are needed.
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