Real Estate

Tips On How Sash Windows Work

Many feel that old, double-hung sash windows are a necessary feature on ‘period’ homes. They should never be replaced except as a final solution after everything else has been tried. They’re worth saving for lots of reasons and they’re not too difficult to restore. Here’s how sash windows work, or, sometimes, don’t work.

Some guy who makes his living restoring older homes was once overheard saying that people who lived in older homes often have never seen some of their windows (or all of them) work as was intended when they were first installed. The good news is this isn’t that difficult or expensive to remedy. Some repairs you might do yourself.

Sometimes the only thing keeping a window from working is too many coats of paint. Maybe it’s been painted shut or had so many layers painted on that it’s gotten gunked up. Some paint remover, a blade and a scraper could go a long way to fixing the problem if it’s that simple.

One common problem with old sash windows is the internal system of weights and chains (or ropes) getting old and tired. If only one side breaks it might still work a little (just not easily), but if both sides are broken you’ll most likely get no movement. The weights are used as a counter-balance to the weight and movement of the sashes. Access to the chains or ropes and weights is made through a cover plate on the frame.

The cords (or chains) that the counter-weights hang on will normally break during their lifetime of service, but they can be replaced fairly easily. If you’re handy you might be able to do this one yourself, DIY style. You know, after a hundred years or so those ropes are going to be tired! It’s fairly straightforward to replace them.

Here’s the best advice on old double-hung sash windows. Repair rather than replace. The windows have already lasted a good long time and they can last that long again if given proper restorative maintenance. Do you think modern replacement windows could stand that test of time? It’s doubtful. And new windows just don’t look right on an old house!

Here’s just one more tip. If you’re going to hire someone to repair or restore your windows, hire someone who does that kind of work exclusively. You want someone who’s part finish-carpenter, part artist and part decorator. You want a specialist in old window restoration. He’ll know just how sash windows work or, at least how they’re supposed to work. And he’ll have them working like that again, too. Find yourself a good restoration guy. They’re out there.

Learn everything you need to know about how to maintain and repair your windows at a sash window workshop today! Discover how you can easily increase the value of your home when you have sash window repairs done as soon as they are needed.

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