Some Hints About How Sash Windows Work
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.
One astute old-home restorer in New England, USA, had an interesting observation. He said, speaking of people living in older homes, that most likely less than half of them have ever experienced a window in their house working as it was intended to do. Some of these things are a hundred years old plus. They probably worked well at one time and they can again. It’s not that hard.
Sometimes the only thing a window needs to start working again is the removal of some old paint. Decades or centuries of painting can gum up the works and cause difficulty in the window’s operation. This is a DIY (do-it-yourself) kind of thing if you’re handy enough.
More than likely, if it’s an older sash window you’re dealing with, it’s not operating correctly because of a problem with the weights and ropes (or chains) that are used as a counter-balance to the window’s movement. These weights are usually hidden from view, encased within the window frame itself. Access is made through a cover, usually made of metal, which is embedded in the surface of the frame.
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.
What’s the best advice on old double-hung ‘period’ windows? Repair rather than replace. Wood windows are efficient. Wood is a great insulator. Don’t let someone try to convince you that the new plastic, thermal paned, hi-tech windows should be installed as replacements. Plus, they just wouldn’t look appropriate on your older home.
Here’s some more advice. If you hire someone to fix your house, hire someone who knows how sash windows work. Better yet, hire someone who does nothing else in their business other than restore old windows. A specialist… That’s the ticket. They’re out there, somewhere in your area, and probably on the Internet too. Take a look.
Learn everything you need to know about how to maintain your windows at a sash window workshop now! Discover how you can easily increase the value of your home when you have sash window repairs done as soon as they are needed.