Sash Cords Sash Repairs - Sash Windows Repairs

Replacing And Repairing Your Sash Windows

Homeowners are faced with all sorts of repairs and expenses over the life of their home. Windows is one of those things that have a certain life span. So, if you follow the signs, you can determine when an exchange is required. Sometimes, instead of a total replacement, you can instead do repairs that are, of course, budget-friendly. If you have sliding windows, then there are several factors to consider.

Sign that it is time to replace the Windows

â— Cracks in the window

â— Cracks in the threshold

â— The sill / frame begins to detach from the wall

â— You can feel a design

â— They are difficult to use

â— You notice more sounds from outside

Window repairs

When it comes to sash window repairs in London, this is a fairly common undertaking. It is quite common that over time your sash window will begin to develop wear, but that does not necessarily mean that your window needs to be replaced. Instead, it may just be that you need some renovations and repairs to the window and / or window sill. Another common repair is the exchange of valances in London. Again, this is relatively common and quite budget friendly.

Where this is more common, in the period houses, since sliding windows began, was used in the 17th century. Over time, the way the windows were made has improved, as have the materials used. This means that the older styles typically need to be repaired and updated.

It’s not just about what the window looks like; These repairs also help with how the windows work and their ability to prevent air from escaping. Since these windows are so fine and precise, it is best to have them done by a professional, as this is not a DIY project.

Sliding sash window – the real energy saver

So what’s the most important thing about sliding windows? Well, they are known to help save energy in your home. This means that you can save a lot on your electricity bill. They have shown that they provide excellent heat storage when they are up to date and properly installed.

Double glazed sash windows in the area are very popular, but you can also discuss the triple glazed option. With this option, you get even better heat storage. Not only that, but they also help reduce the noise that enters the house or building from outside. This can be very helpful if you are on a busy street.

Mortice and Green is a company that manages the area of the London, when it comes to the replacement and repair of sliding sash windows and their various parts. Mortice and Green can even come to your home or office to give you a free overview of what’s needed and how much the price is.

However, window installations can also be arranged upon request. Architects recommended their work with whom we worked together. Over the years, they have made a name for themselves throughout the region as they have been able to offer a high quality window and window repair and restoration service in the region, coupled with excellent customer service.

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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Replacing And Repairing Your Sash Windows

Sash Windows in the Balance