Many companies will try and convince you that you need to replace those old sash windows to be environmentally correct but actually a sash window kept in good repair is both better for the environment and less costly than replacing all of your beautiful old windows. Sash window restoration and the environmental benefits are really not so hard to understand.
There are many companies that offer restoration services and when getting quotes pay attention to the details. A real red flag would be a company that offers speedy service. This can be a quick fix at a cheap price but you will want someone who will do a good job and make sure what they are doing is full restoration and not a fast repair.
Check out the details of the bid, if your repairman tells you you only need to replace the sash cords then you know thats not all there is to it. A reputable company will recommend the full restoration as well as determine if your windows are beyond repair and need to be replaced.
The time it takes and the cost of the project are dependent upon the number of windows in question. Typically you can expect a couple of windows a day will be done if the repair is a simple one.
Most important is the integrity of the wood and sealing it with a few coats of paint to protect it. Weather seals and double glazed glass with re-balancing are all important things to do in the restoration process to ensure your windows are draft-free keeping heat in and giving you beautiful windows for many years to come.
For the do-it-yourself person there are a few things to keep in mind when undertaking a restoration. You need to remove all paint to the bare wood on the sash, box, and sill to insure the integrity of the wood. If you find you need to fill in any areas make sure to us a high-quality two part resin-based product. Fix the joints and have spare parts around if needed. Replace sash cords that have rotted, replace pulley wheels that are no longer working and re-balance. Install weather seals at the top, bottom, sides and meeting rails. Top it off with a fresh coat of high resilient, four coat exterior paint.
The ropes inside the sash will often be rotted and the windows will be unbalanced and youll find you are propping them up with a book. These ropes are attached to weights which in turn balance the window and roll over the pulley. Replace this assembly and sometimes you can just lubricate the pulley to get it working again. If not, there are a variety of metals to choose from or a steel/nylon option for economy.
If a sash, box or sill needs to be replaced use oak and traditional joinery methods to get the same integrity as in the original window construction. Replicate all existing window details to match the other windows on the house. Double glaze when done. Finish off with period hardware. Reuse and repair rather than replace for a truly green solution.
Creating a beautiful and distinct look for your home will be easy when you have London Sash Window Company visit today! Having your sash window repairs completed now will raise the value and beauty of your home fast!
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