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Posts Tagged ‘joinery’

Sash Window Repair Specialists in London

February 10th, 2010 No comments

Bringing in sash window repair specialists to fix you sash window is not quite the same as bringing in someone to fix a modern window. There are different issues that a sash window may face. Glass panes can break, especially if they are hit with a round, blunt object like a baseball. More than that, the weighted “sash” can easily get stuck within the window frame causing the window to remain either open or closed.

Sash window repair specialists understand that it is not always easy to replace a pane of glass that is more than 100 years old. However, if it can be done it should be done. Throwing away the historical significance of the sash window is something that should be avoided whenever possible.

If it’s so difficult to fix shouldn’t we just replace them with a more modern window? While this is always an option, it’s not one that should be considered lightly. Sash windows are becoming rare, historical, and are full of character that you just can’t get from a modern window. Replacing these windows isn’t likely to provide better insulation nor is it likely to provide a better aesthetic value to your home.

Bringing in sash window repair specialists is like bringing in a historical window expert. He or she will be able to evaluate the window in question and provide you with the best possible solution.

With the “sash, ” or weighted pulley, hidden within the frame of the window, after 100 or so years it could be expected that the pulley would get kinked or even wear through. Replacing this weighted pulley requires that the window frame is disassembled and the weighted pulley is restored while it remains in the window frame.

Whatever the repair ends up to be, the important thing is that you and the sash window repairs specialists were willing to preserve a historical window and keep your home’s character intact. This is a significant part of preserving our history throughout the world. The simple things that represent a time in our history shouldn’t be easily discarded.

Thanks for taking the time to read we hope you found it informative, if you would like to read more about sash window draught proofing or sash window repairs please visit www.sashwindowrepairs-london.co.uk

The Sash Window Throughout History

February 9th, 2010 No comments

There is evidence that sliding windows existed throughout Europe as early as the thirteenth century, although not much more than simple sliding timber shutters.

It was not until around the sixteenth century that glazed sash windows came on to the scene, sliding side ways unlike today’s vertical sliding sash windows, that only actually started to appear mid seventeenth century in France.

French nobility escaping the guillotine in France arrived in England bringing with them the latest technology and designs of more advanced sash windows.

One of the first glazed sliding sash windows was created and fitted for Henrietta Maria, the Queen Mother, who returning from France with French joiners, encouraged the renovation of Somerset House in London.

The development of the sliding sash window is not very clear and numerous theories circulate. It is commonly believed that a weighted and balanced version was actually invented in England.

A vertical sash window with glass and heavy thick glazing bars also known as Georgian bars to accommodate the very thin and delicate glass of the time, would have been a heavy beast of a window for the operator.

The counter balance was developed for use in doors originally but it did not take long for someone to apply the system to windows.

At no point in history has any one person laid claim to the invention of the sash window nor has there ever been a patent applied for.

The number of panes slowly reduced as glass manufacture began to produce higher quality stronger glazing, but it wasn’t until the Government of the day stopped demanding window Tax duty in 1845, when the price of the glass dropped, that the panes became larger, with only two panes per sash.

During a period of British history the Crown cleverly started to tax citizens based on how many glass windows they had in their home and thus it was considered a sign of wealth to have one large pane of glass per window.

Interested in Sash window repairs or want to find out more about sash window insulation or sash cord replacement then visit www.sashwindowrepairs-london.co.uk

Get Hour Home’s Windows Operating Properly With Sash Cord Repairs

November 27th, 2009 No comments

When wooden windows are difficult to open or close, often the culprit is the cords that are used to attach window weights to the lower portion of the window. These cords called sash cords can easily be repaired. Window sash cord repairs are simple enough for most homeowners to do themselves.

The window weights are attached to the window its self by means of a cord called a sash cord. The cord is fed over a pulley from the window to the weights. The weights are located behind the window frame in the wall.

The cords deteriorate over time and may eventually fray or break. The counterbalance of the weight is necessary for the window to operate properly. The broken cords make the window difficult to operate and make a prop necessary to keep the window in an open position.

Sash cord repairs are not difficult. Most windows will have an access hole in the side of the window frame, but you have to remove the lower portion of the window to access this hole.

This portion is held in place by a small wooden trim that is easily removed. Use a sharp utility knife to cut through any paint that may be holding the trim in place. A putty knife will allow you to remove the trim gently without breaking it. You will also need to remove any metal channel and cut any remaining sash cords. You should be able to remove the lower portion of the window from the assembly. Open the access ports. The weights should be found inside these ports. Bring them out to attach the new cords which have been lowered over the pulleys.

Open the ports and take out the weights. A new cord will need to be threaded through the pulleys by using a sixteen penny nail to provide weight. Attach each cord to the existing window weights and to the lower window. Reverse the other steps to replace the window and finish the job.

Want to get your windows working properly? sash cord repairs could be your solution. Learn how to repair sash cords right now and fix your window problems today!