Sash Window Restoration And The Environmental Benefits You Will Reap

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.

When looking for a company to restore your windows it is best to go by recommendation and get as many quotes as you can. Look for people who are thorough and not quick-fix companies who might repair a simple problem but not completely restore your windows.

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.

Depending upon how many windows you have, you can normally expect the repairman to complete one or two windows a day. If major repairs need to be made that timeframe could change a great deal. Dont rush the job, do it right the first time.

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.

If you are going to tackle this job yourself these are things you should remember to do. Strip the sash, box and sill to bare wood so you can see the condition of the wood and repair as needed. Fill in spots where necessary with a high quality, two part, resin-based product. Fix all the joints and have on hand replacement parts. Paint with a highly resilient, four coat exterior paint system to ensure waterproof results. Weather seals will need to be installed at the top, bottom, sides and meeting rails of the window. Replace sash cords, pulley wheels and re-balance.

As a good practice it would be best to replace all the ropes inside of the sash as with time they will rot and leave you with an unbalanced window that is hard to operate. Replace the rope, re-attach the counterweights and balance. While doing this, replacing the pulley wheel might be a necessity as they get painted over and get stuck and create stress on the rope. There are many metal finshes to choose from or an economical steel/nylon wheel is available. Sometimes you can salvage the pulley by applying a little lubricant to get the wheel turning again.

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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