Many look at the old double-hung windows of 'period' houses as intrinsic to their looks and value. They should be saved, if possible, in every circumstance and not replaced except as a last resort. It makes sense. These windows have been around for a long time doing their job and they're probably getting tired! Here's a bit 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, all it takes to fix an inoperable sash window is the removal of a zillion coats of paint. If the window has been there for decades (or centuries, even), there's a good chance it's taken a few coats of paint. Sometimes one right over the last, right over the last again.
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.
It's natural for the chains or ropes holding up the counter-weights to wear out after long decades of use. You may want to hire someone to do this job. If you get someone who does this kind of restoration as his/her main line of business, they should be able to fix you up pretty fast.
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.
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, all it takes to fix an inoperable sash window is the removal of a zillion coats of paint. If the window has been there for decades (or centuries, even), there's a good chance it's taken a few coats of paint. Sometimes one right over the last, right over the last again.
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.
It's natural for the chains or ropes holding up the counter-weights to wear out after long decades of use. You may want to hire someone to do this job. If you get someone who does this kind of restoration as his/her main line of business, they should be able to fix you up pretty fast.
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.
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Find out everything you need to know about how to maintain 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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