Anybody that owns a period home will have been through the frustration of having the older sliding windows that just will not work properly. Most resort to removing the offensive panes and replacing it with modern versions. However when one considers that many have been around for more than 120 years it may seem that undertaking sash window repairs a much better decision.
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 panels move up and down the inside of a boxed framed by means of a counter balance theory. Besides the problems with movement many tend to allow noise and breezes into the home. This results from the way the frame is designed to keep the working mechanisms of the window and is quick to repair.
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.
If it is attached to a sash cord then simply cut the cord while holding the weight to prevent it from falling into a bottom cavity. To remove the upper sash one has to remove another vertical piece of wood by repeating the same steps. It is recommended that the cord be replaced throughout, at the same time so as to prevent having to redo this all over again with in a short period of space.
The frame itself has a lower compartment or house in which the working mechanisms of the system are stored; removal of another type of panel will expose the pockets. However if these have been idiotically screwed into place then the probability is that one will spend quite some time trying to pry it loose. But when removed it will expose a single very long weight inside the pocket.
Here a person will have access to the pulley mechanisms which may be copper, brass or iron. Some blame can be placed on this item not working smoothly. But a good clean to remove dirt followed with a few drops of oil is all it may need. However if it is damaged then one will have to buy a replacement part which is available in a modern plastic form.
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 loose end into the long weights from the top out through the side and then tie a secure knot in place to stop it from pulling back through the hole. Cut the extra cord from the knots and use the cord to pull the long weight back inside the pocket. Close the compartment up and then tie the other end of the cording onto the sash. To make this easier it is best that the window sashes are angled while both ends are aligned by drawing the weight up into the pulley for accuracy.
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.
Generally, sash window repairs need to be carried out at least every 12-15 years to ensure that they can last another 100 years or maybe more. If you are unsure of what to do, rather get assistance and advice from a professional. The last thing you want is to land up paying more than necessary because you were not certain of how to carry out 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 panels move up and down the inside of a boxed framed by means of a counter balance theory. Besides the problems with movement many tend to allow noise and breezes into the home. This results from the way the frame is designed to keep the working mechanisms of the window and is quick to repair.
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.
If it is attached to a sash cord then simply cut the cord while holding the weight to prevent it from falling into a bottom cavity. To remove the upper sash one has to remove another vertical piece of wood by repeating the same steps. It is recommended that the cord be replaced throughout, at the same time so as to prevent having to redo this all over again with in a short period of space.
The frame itself has a lower compartment or house in which the working mechanisms of the system are stored; removal of another type of panel will expose the pockets. However if these have been idiotically screwed into place then the probability is that one will spend quite some time trying to pry it loose. But when removed it will expose a single very long weight inside the pocket.
Here a person will have access to the pulley mechanisms which may be copper, brass or iron. Some blame can be placed on this item not working smoothly. But a good clean to remove dirt followed with a few drops of oil is all it may need. However if it is damaged then one will have to buy a replacement part which is available in a modern plastic form.
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 loose end into the long weights from the top out through the side and then tie a secure knot in place to stop it from pulling back through the hole. Cut the extra cord from the knots and use the cord to pull the long weight back inside the pocket. Close the compartment up and then tie the other end of the cording onto the sash. To make this easier it is best that the window sashes are angled while both ends are aligned by drawing the weight up into the pulley for accuracy.
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.
Generally, sash window repairs need to be carried out at least every 12-15 years to ensure that they can last another 100 years or maybe more. If you are unsure of what to do, rather get assistance and advice from a professional. The last thing you want is to land up paying more than necessary because you were not certain of how to carry out the job.
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