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.
Here are the steps that are needed in order to successfully repair an antique window such as this. Firstly one will have to take the window frame apart. Start by removing the thin wooden strips or "beading" that is tacked in place on the sides, use a rubber hammer and chisel. Once these are removed the lower panel will slip out easily.
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 task of replacing the cording, this can be purchased at any hardware store, however as the width of cords vary considerably, be sure to purchase an 8-string cord. Cut two long sections of cord and feed each one through the top of the pulley so that there are two loose ends hanging at the bottom.
Thread the cord into the top hole of the weights and out of the side hole before tying stop-knots, to prevent the cord from retracting out of the weight. Cut off all the excess pieces of cord and then pull the iron weight back into its groove. Tap the panels back in place and then attach the other end to the sash. It is best to lean the window at an angle in order to align both sides accurately use the weights up against the pulley as a guideline.
Do these steps for the upper and lower sashes, of course the top will be done first secured into place with the wooden strip and then the bottom can be done. Once all the sash beads are in place and the widows are operating smoothly the Sash window repair will be complete. Further repairs can be done by installing a type of brush piling which is used to eliminate the noisy draught problems.
In general, if a person carries out sash window repairs in this manner every twelve to fifteen years, they are guaranteed to last for the next 100 years or so. Before starting any work, make sure you know exactly what you are doing. There are many experts out there who specialize in this work, so consider giving them a call to ask for advice and to find out how they recommend you get on with the job.
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.
Here are the steps that are needed in order to successfully repair an antique window such as this. Firstly one will have to take the window frame apart. Start by removing the thin wooden strips or "beading" that is tacked in place on the sides, use a rubber hammer and chisel. Once these are removed the lower panel will slip out easily.
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 task of replacing the cording, this can be purchased at any hardware store, however as the width of cords vary considerably, be sure to purchase an 8-string cord. Cut two long sections of cord and feed each one through the top of the pulley so that there are two loose ends hanging at the bottom.
Thread the cord into the top hole of the weights and out of the side hole before tying stop-knots, to prevent the cord from retracting out of the weight. Cut off all the excess pieces of cord and then pull the iron weight back into its groove. Tap the panels back in place and then attach the other end to the sash. It is best to lean the window at an angle in order to align both sides accurately use the weights up against the pulley as a guideline.
Do these steps for the upper and lower sashes, of course the top will be done first secured into place with the wooden strip and then the bottom can be done. Once all the sash beads are in place and the widows are operating smoothly the Sash window repair will be complete. Further repairs can be done by installing a type of brush piling which is used to eliminate the noisy draught problems.
In general, if a person carries out sash window repairs in this manner every twelve to fifteen years, they are guaranteed to last for the next 100 years or so. Before starting any work, make sure you know exactly what you are doing. There are many experts out there who specialize in this work, so consider giving them a call to ask for advice and to find out how they recommend you get on with the job.
About the Author:
When you need to locate dependable sash window draught proofing London homeowners should look on the Web. See images and models of Wooden windows London residents need right here.