Sash Window Repair

19 Feb

The Benefits of Sash Window Refurbishment

The repair and upgrade of architectural features for all sizes of properties offer great quality and excellent value. Sash window refurbishment is a popular option as it assists in maintaining the condition of such structures and will assist in supporting the longevity of these features. A professional approach includes a complete examination of the framework and functionality to ensure that such traditional architecture is restored and preserved.

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The classic sash window has remained one of the most timeless architectural styles that was developed in the early 17th century. Most windows are designed with traditional timber offering beautifully crafted features for many different types of buildings. Unfortunately, these structures are subject to natural decay and deterioration that lead to a number of functional problems and an unattractive exterior.

Damages to these styles of windows include wood rot, paint flaking, rattling noises, and drafts. To restore the pristine condition of such architecture, there is the option to have it refurbished and restored. If you are looking to replace these structures, it can prove immensely expensive, and requires consideration for repairs to keep it in suitable working order while enhancing appeal.

Rail problems, damaged bars, and broken glass can prove a nightmare for property owners to tend to, however a refurbishment offers the greatest number of benefits before the costs of a replacement. When installed by an experienced craftsman, these features can have longevity of up to 15 years with regular maintenance. General deterioration and exposure to the elements are the main factors responsible for the degradation.

The repair of windows will require a complete professional assessment of the remaining wood. Areas of rot and weakness can be addressed with the necessary tools and enhancement methods, while most architecture will prove structurally sound and prevent against a replacement. These additions can be improved in terms of style and colour to fit with the modern home and its overall appeal.

Functionality will be examined including the weights that are located within the frame for smooth operation and possible repairs. The correct balancing measures can be put in place to protect the windows from sticking or working in a poor manner. Components that are decayed and worn will have to be replaced and designed to fit within the new architecture that can minimize and eliminate future rattles or drafts.

Sash windows with the correct levels of maintenance can improve energy efficiency within the property because it protects against the loss of heat and will be able to open and close in a smooth manner. Glazing procedures may be beneficial as it as it further supports the management of utility bills decreasing reliance on heaters and air conditioners. A reduction in drafts and air pockets with the necessary sealing can decrease noise pollution.

Having the traditional sash windows refurbished can assist in enhancing the appeal of this classic design including smoother functionality.

The architecture may be upgraded and improved without having to lose the character of these types of structures.

Modifications can maintain the original appeal while ensuring that all features remain fully operation for years to come.

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19 Feb

Sash Windows Restoration Tips and Tricks

A home with beautiful sash windows is something for everyone to be proud of. However, if a window develops problems, it may not be a simple repair. Plus, older windows may need restoring and there is a trick to doing this kind of job right. Here are some helpful tips for sash windows restoration from your London window professionals.

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The first thing to do is protect your flooring. Place some kind of cloth, plastic sheathing, or old newspapers on the floor. This will catch old paint, dirt, and other debris that may be inside the walls or window frames

To properly restore old style windows, you must dismantle them. This can sometimes be harder than you think. Plus, with this kind of job, you may need to disturb the walls around the windows, and redoing the walls afterward, may be a good idea.

You may need to cut out some of the wallboard to get to the sash assembly. If this is the case, you must be very careful and make a clean cut. If not, redoing the wallboard may no longer be an option, it may be mandatory.

Remove as much paint as possible (that is covering the trim and facing). Take your time when removing window facing, and use a sharp utility knife to cut through old paint. Next, carefully remove the facing, making sure it stays intact.

It doesn’t matter if the old sash cord is broken or not. It’s always best to replace it, so you do not have to disassemble the window unit again in the near future. When possible, buy all new parts for the window. If you cannot find new parts, remove all the old ones and clean them thoroughly.

Remove the weights from the old cord. If the cord is broken, you may need to tie a string to the part left in the window, to make it easier to install the new cord. Put some silicone on the pulley and make sure it is clean.

If there is no cord in the window, you might have to use a string with a weight (nut or bolt) and feed the string over the pulley and into the wall. You can then use the string to install your new sash cord (by attaching the cord to the string and pulling it through). Replace all the trim and put everything back together.

If the window is in poor condition, you might have to remove it from the wall. Take your time and carefully pull out all the old trim. Do this slowly, so you do not crack or break the trim. Yet, in most cases, you can restore a window without removing it.

This is the time to replace any cracked or damaged glass panes. Make sure to take exact measurements for your glass, as it must be the exact size. Buy quality glaziers putty, so you will not have to replace it very often.

These useful tips can make our sash window repair and restoration a little easier. Of course, the best way to restore a window is to contact your local window service. They take care of all the hard work, clean up, and can give you beautiful new windows in no time.

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03 Feb

Sash Window Repairs London but Why?

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Sash window repairs, London and other interesting facts
It’s no surprise that replacement wooden sash windows are well known to be a very costly affair but it is doubtful that this is the sole reason that many in London choose to carry out sash window repairs and refurbishment instead.

A lot of people realise that their sash windows are rattly, draughty and not very energy efficient and this is the main reason for considering replacing them, but when faced with the cost involved often seek alternative measures.
This is where Sash window repair services (like us!) can help.

With modern double glazed units it is now possible to manufacture very thin double glazed units that provide the same thermal protection as traditional. This allows replacement sliding sash windows to be retro fitted into the existing box frames and even existing casement frames too.

With the box fully overhauled and repaired the new reproduction double glazed sash windows retro fit the old frames.

This is further enhanced with professional sash window draught proofing measures to provide a very energy efficient box sash window whilst still utilising the original existing period box frame.

There are many companies providing sash window repairs in London, we have been providing all manor of sash window repair services from restoration, replacement, repair and refurbishment for many years and consider sash window repairs London to be our bread and butter work.

So if you are considering sash window repairs in London and don’t want to fully replace your sash windows then give us a call.
We can repair your sash windows to ensure they work as intended whilst being draught and rattle free and we can also manufacture new reproduction sliding sash windows to fit your existing frames.
Having sash windows needn’t be a pain you can still enjoy the beauty of sash windows without having to put up with cold draughty windows!

Most sash windows can be re

paired and restored to look and work as good as new, and we can convert them to be just as energy efficient as modern replacement double glazed windows.
Call Mortice & Green Sash window repairs London today on 020 7118 9191 for more information or visit our new website here at www.londonwindowrestorations.co.uk

 

 

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17 Nov

Double glazing existing single glazed sash windows, a good idea?

If you have sash windows and you live in the UK then you have probably heard about the possibilities of replacing 4mm glass with a slim-line double glazed unit to upgrade your single glazed sash windows to double glazed sash windows.

If you have not then I will explain.

The idea first came to fruition around 12 years ago but didn™t become popular due to technological limitations of double glazed units at the time making it near on impossible to hide the old fashioned large double glazing spacer behind the inner moulding of each window.

Glass companies soon exploited the initial idea and came up with new double glazed units with much smaller discreet spacers and very slim units that had all the same thermal benefits of traditional double glazed units.

This new line of slim-line double glazing has now made it possible for property owners to double glaze existing sash windows in period houses without compromising the properties original architectural heritage.

People living in conservation areas that previously could not have double glazed sash windows due to the massive change in the appearance of the window can now do so without stepping on the local conservation officers toes!

This development has seen a huge rise in the amount of companies providing this service and as you might imagine there are also many chancers trying their hand at doing it too!

Be warned if the process is not done correctly or the wrong glass is used you may end up with sash windows that end up falling apart a year or two after the work is done, or if the gaskets are exposed to sun light and not properly hidden behind the beadings of the window they will degrade and you will have misted up windows.

It is far better to have the windows inspected by a reputable sash window company like Mortice and Green first to confirm suitability and then make sure the company carrying out the sash window work knows what they are doing and is using the correct materials and glass.

There are other options to upgrading your sash windows that are comparable in price and in some ways better too. One way is to have the fixed box frame fully restored and have reproduction sash windows manufactured to replace the old single glazed windows.

The new sash windows should be identical in every way other than the fact they will have been designed for slim line double glazed units as opposed to 4mm glass.

Once fitted, the replacement sash windows will provide the same level of thermal protection as complete replacement sash windows, with far less costs and hassle than replacing the entire box sash window.

You should also remember that a double glazed sash window that is fitted into a box frame that is not properly draught proofed is not going to be any better than a single glazed sash window! The double glazed window relies on the window to be properly insulated against draughts.

You would be surprised to hear just how many windows I see across London every month that are double glazed but not draught proofed, I often wonder just what the heck the so called œsash window repair expert was thinking as he fitted the new double glazed sash windows into the draughty un-insulated box frame? It is a real puzzle¦

If you are considering having reproduction sliding sash windows made then why not give us a call? We can double glaze your existing sliding sash windows or if you prefer we also manufacture solid Oak double glazed reproduction sash windows as well!

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01 May

Sash Windows in the Balance

There are many styles of sash window but all have one common denominator, they all have an operation that requires the weight of the window to be supported to allow ease of opening.

The earliest examples of the sliding sash window had an operation whereby the window would slide horizontally without need for the window to be supported but since around the 18th century most sash windows were designed to slide vertically.

Traditional œhung sash windows reply on a weight system with each window connected to sash cords that are strung over a pulley wheel and attached to a cast iron weight inside the box frame. This cast iron weight is approximately half the weight of the sliding sash, with one on each side they equal the same as the sash window. With the weight of the window balanced by the sash weights the window will lift open and stay open in whatever position the user may choose.

Modern sash windows can sometimes utilise a system referred to as the spiral balance mechanism. The spiral balance is effectively a metal rod that runs up the centre of a strong spring connected at one end. The spring and rod assembly is shrouded within a plastic tube to keep it straight and also for cosmetic reasons. The spring is connected to the box frame sash window run by a screw and the spring is tensioned by turning the metal rod against the spring thus creating tension. Much like some cheap weight lifting and fitness machines the spring mimics the action of gravity by the pulling force of the tensioned spring.

Both sash window balance systems work well but neither a failsafe and will certainly require repair and maintenance over the years.

The most reliable system is, as most professional sash window experts will tell you, the traditional weighted sash window system.

The most common issue with a box sash window is broken sash cords but other problems can occur especially if you replace glass. Older box sash windows will have been weighted for 3mm glass, modern glass is 4mm for safety reasons. This means that if you ever need to re-glaze an old sash window the glazier will no doubt use 4mm glass and you will then unwittingly have increased the windows weight by around 25% The window will then require the sash balance weights to be adjusted to ensure the window still functions as intended. The same would go for spiral balanced windows although the remedy would be simpler as you would only need to increase the tension on the spring to account for the twenty five percent increase in the sash windows weight.

If your sash windows seem to drop closed when you open them or if the top sash slide open on its own then it is likely that you will need either sash cord repairs and or sash window make weights added to the existing sash weights.

All the issues discussed in this article and more can all resolved by visiting our home page or by calling us on 020 7118 9191. We take care of all types of sash window repair work including sash cord replacement, spiral balance replacement and window rebalancing.

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