Everything sash windows from restoration and repairs to draught proofing - You have arrived at sash window repairs London! Blog brought to you by Sashwindowdraughtproofinglondon.com AKA London Sash Services
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Sash Window Repairs London: How to mend a sash windowTim Dowling stops the exc...
Sash Window Repairs London: How to mend a sash windowTim Dowling stops the exc...: How to mend a sash window Tim Dowling stops the excuses and tackles a job he's been putting off Tim Dowling The Guardian ,...
How to mend a sash window
Tim Dowling stops the excuses and tackles a job he's been putting off
There are few things more frustrating than a window that won't open, because whatever the reason for the problem - whether it's mechanically compromised, or just jammed because subsidence has caused your house to lean 12 degrees to the right - the solution usually seems totally beyond one's control. Even a window that's been painted shut can be maddeningly difficult to shift. I've shattered a few trying.
For this reason, and others, I put off fixing the old-fashioned sash window in my kids' bedroom for many years. In their younger days I was more concerned that they would leap out of it, and dressed up my laziness as a precaution. In the hottest days of last summer I was finally able to force it partway up and prop it open, but it was so heavy that I was afraid it would snap the section of curved toy train track I'd used to wedge it in place. I was even more afraid that one of my kids would one day find himself short of curved track and try to pull it out, guillotining his hand off in the process. It needed fixing.
I was, though, more than a little daunted by the idea of repairing a sash window myself, for while I know how they work in principle - a fairly primitive arrangement of weights, cords and pulleys - I've never actually seen the mechanism exposed to the air. Believing that I would be able to fix it seemed, at this time of year, doubly foolhardy: realistically, it would be months before I really needed to open the window, but if I were to screw things up, I could easily spend the winter with a big square hole in my house ...
How to...
1. Locate offending part
Well, at least I know the problem (presuming, of course, there is only one problem). The right-hand sash cord is broken. In theory, all I need do is buy some more cord, attach it to the lower sash (a general term for a moveable window panel) at one end and to the weight at the other, and everything should work fine. In practice, I don't even know how to get the window off.
2. Remove lower window
Fortunately, this proves simpler than I'd imagined. The lower sash is prevented from falling into the room by two thin, vertical strips of wood, which I now know to be called "inner staff beads". Though they look like part of the window moulding, they are in fact detachable and held in place by half a dozen small, headless nails. Inserting a chisel between the bead and the moulding and tapping it with a wooden mallet is enough to pry it away, albeit with an alarming cracking of old paint.
Once the beads have been removed (whole or in pieces), the lower sash should come out easily, unless it's still attached to one of the sash cords. If so, just cut it (you might as well replace both cords while you're here) - taking care not to let the attached sash weight smash down to the bottom of its cavity. Put the sash somewhere out of the way - so you don't put your foot through one of the panes while you're working ...
Note: Behind the lower sash, you'll discover that there exists a vertical "parting bead", which separates it from the upper sash. You only need to remove this if the top sash is also in need of repair. If you want both your upper and lower sash to move freely you are, in my opinion, a person of unseemly ambition.
3. Remove sash weights
In either side of the window frame where the lower sash travels, you'll find the compartments where the weights are hidden. These are generally accessible via a panel of wood, technically known as a "pocket", which will hopefully be sitting snugly in place and can be pried out - unless, of course, a previous occupant of your home decided to screw or nail it in place in order to make things difficult for you decades down the line. Behind each pocket you will find the iron sash weight, longer and heavier than you imagined. You may be the first person to gaze upon these in a hundred years. Take them out and admire.
Now is also a good time to make sure both pulleys are operating properly, because they probably aren't. Mine were both gummed up with layers of old paint, and it took a bit of scraping to get them turning freely. A drop of oil wouldn't hurt, either.
4. Fix new cords to the weights
So this is what you should have before you: two parting beads (one snapped in half), removed; one lower sash, removed; two sash weights, removed; one window, minus lower sash, with two extra long lengths of new sash cord running up and over the pulley, down into the sash weight compartment and out again at the bottom. Now it's time to tie the new cords to the old sash weights. This is achieved by feeding the cord through the hole in the top of the weight and out of the side, and then tying a figure-of-eight knot (or stop-knot) in the end so it won't pull back through.
Revelation! It was at this point I discovered that sash cord comes in different widths, and that I'd bought the wrong sort, even though I took a piece of the old sash cord with me to the DIY superstore. The new stuff was too skinny and the knot pulled through the weight's hole with the slightest tug. What was required was a fatter "double-eight" knot - I copied an example from a little framed sampler of nautical knots which I found in my son's bedroom.
5. Replace the lower sash
Once the cord is finally secure, cut off any excess, take up the slack from the top, reinsert your sash weights and tap the little wooden panels (pockets) back into place. The next thing to contemplate is the manner in which the sash cords are affixed to the sash. Sometimes a stop-knot arrangement is used, but more often, I think, the cord is tacked into a groove with three or four "clout" nails. Or just re-use the nails you pulled out to remove the old bits of sash cord, and don't worry about what they're called.
6. The end game
(For this step you will probably require an extra pair of hands.)
Put the sash back in place, but leave it leaning out a little at the top. Then pull the sash weights right up to the pulley, keeping the cord as taut as possible as you nail it into the groove on the side of the sash frame (as explained above). Remove any excess cord with a sharp knife. Once both cords are secured, the window should sit perfectly in place and slide up and down easily. Now take a step back. Looks a mess, doesn't it? You'll need to paint it, of course ...
Tip no 1
You should start in the middle of the bead so you don't snap it in half - although, come to think of it, it's perfectly possible to start in the middle and snap it in half anyway. I did.
Tip no 2
If there's a bit of the broken sash cord attached to the weight and still hanging out of the pulley at the top, it might be a good idea to tie a length of string to it, so that when you remove the weight, you can use the string to pull the new cord into place (alternatively, tie some string to a nail and feed it through from the top, allowing the weight of the nail to pull it, and then the attached cord, over the pulley and down to sill level). Leave the new sash cords long and trailing out at either end.
Tip no 3
When, finally, you go to nail the inner staff beads back into place, tack them in gently first to make sure they aren't interfering with the free movement of the sash. They might need a bit of adjusting.
For this reason, and others, I put off fixing the old-fashioned sash window in my kids' bedroom for many years. In their younger days I was more concerned that they would leap out of it, and dressed up my laziness as a precaution. In the hottest days of last summer I was finally able to force it partway up and prop it open, but it was so heavy that I was afraid it would snap the section of curved toy train track I'd used to wedge it in place. I was even more afraid that one of my kids would one day find himself short of curved track and try to pull it out, guillotining his hand off in the process. It needed fixing.
I was, though, more than a little daunted by the idea of repairing a sash window myself, for while I know how they work in principle - a fairly primitive arrangement of weights, cords and pulleys - I've never actually seen the mechanism exposed to the air. Believing that I would be able to fix it seemed, at this time of year, doubly foolhardy: realistically, it would be months before I really needed to open the window, but if I were to screw things up, I could easily spend the winter with a big square hole in my house ...
How to...
1. Locate offending part
Well, at least I know the problem (presuming, of course, there is only one problem). The right-hand sash cord is broken. In theory, all I need do is buy some more cord, attach it to the lower sash (a general term for a moveable window panel) at one end and to the weight at the other, and everything should work fine. In practice, I don't even know how to get the window off.
2. Remove lower window
Fortunately, this proves simpler than I'd imagined. The lower sash is prevented from falling into the room by two thin, vertical strips of wood, which I now know to be called "inner staff beads". Though they look like part of the window moulding, they are in fact detachable and held in place by half a dozen small, headless nails. Inserting a chisel between the bead and the moulding and tapping it with a wooden mallet is enough to pry it away, albeit with an alarming cracking of old paint.
Once the beads have been removed (whole or in pieces), the lower sash should come out easily, unless it's still attached to one of the sash cords. If so, just cut it (you might as well replace both cords while you're here) - taking care not to let the attached sash weight smash down to the bottom of its cavity. Put the sash somewhere out of the way - so you don't put your foot through one of the panes while you're working ...
Note: Behind the lower sash, you'll discover that there exists a vertical "parting bead", which separates it from the upper sash. You only need to remove this if the top sash is also in need of repair. If you want both your upper and lower sash to move freely you are, in my opinion, a person of unseemly ambition.
3. Remove sash weights
In either side of the window frame where the lower sash travels, you'll find the compartments where the weights are hidden. These are generally accessible via a panel of wood, technically known as a "pocket", which will hopefully be sitting snugly in place and can be pried out - unless, of course, a previous occupant of your home decided to screw or nail it in place in order to make things difficult for you decades down the line. Behind each pocket you will find the iron sash weight, longer and heavier than you imagined. You may be the first person to gaze upon these in a hundred years. Take them out and admire.
Now is also a good time to make sure both pulleys are operating properly, because they probably aren't. Mine were both gummed up with layers of old paint, and it took a bit of scraping to get them turning freely. A drop of oil wouldn't hurt, either.
4. Fix new cords to the weights
So this is what you should have before you: two parting beads (one snapped in half), removed; one lower sash, removed; two sash weights, removed; one window, minus lower sash, with two extra long lengths of new sash cord running up and over the pulley, down into the sash weight compartment and out again at the bottom. Now it's time to tie the new cords to the old sash weights. This is achieved by feeding the cord through the hole in the top of the weight and out of the side, and then tying a figure-of-eight knot (or stop-knot) in the end so it won't pull back through.
Revelation! It was at this point I discovered that sash cord comes in different widths, and that I'd bought the wrong sort, even though I took a piece of the old sash cord with me to the DIY superstore. The new stuff was too skinny and the knot pulled through the weight's hole with the slightest tug. What was required was a fatter "double-eight" knot - I copied an example from a little framed sampler of nautical knots which I found in my son's bedroom.
5. Replace the lower sash
Once the cord is finally secure, cut off any excess, take up the slack from the top, reinsert your sash weights and tap the little wooden panels (pockets) back into place. The next thing to contemplate is the manner in which the sash cords are affixed to the sash. Sometimes a stop-knot arrangement is used, but more often, I think, the cord is tacked into a groove with three or four "clout" nails. Or just re-use the nails you pulled out to remove the old bits of sash cord, and don't worry about what they're called.
6. The end game
(For this step you will probably require an extra pair of hands.)
Put the sash back in place, but leave it leaning out a little at the top. Then pull the sash weights right up to the pulley, keeping the cord as taut as possible as you nail it into the groove on the side of the sash frame (as explained above). Remove any excess cord with a sharp knife. Once both cords are secured, the window should sit perfectly in place and slide up and down easily. Now take a step back. Looks a mess, doesn't it? You'll need to paint it, of course ...
Tip no 1
You should start in the middle of the bead so you don't snap it in half - although, come to think of it, it's perfectly possible to start in the middle and snap it in half anyway. I did.
Tip no 2
If there's a bit of the broken sash cord attached to the weight and still hanging out of the pulley at the top, it might be a good idea to tie a length of string to it, so that when you remove the weight, you can use the string to pull the new cord into place (alternatively, tie some string to a nail and feed it through from the top, allowing the weight of the nail to pull it, and then the attached cord, over the pulley and down to sill level). Leave the new sash cords long and trailing out at either end.
Tip no 3
When, finally, you go to nail the inner staff beads back into place, tack them in gently first to make sure they aren't interfering with the free movement of the sash. They might need a bit of adjusting.
Why It Is Great To Have Your Sash Windows Renovated
It is important to have good windows. You would need these
portals so light and ventilation can enter your house. You would get good
natural illumination with them. You can also let odors, stuffiness, and humidity
go out with this. Fresh, cool, and relaxing air can also enter through them.
You can also get good outdoor views through them. It would also play a big part
in your indoor insulation. That is why it would be important to keep your
apertures good looking, functional, and efficient. Over time, your apertures
can sustain much wear and tear. It would already have worn out, broken, and
damaged parts. It would not look that good already too. It would be really good
to renovate your apertures then. It would give you many benefits.
Learn then what these benefits are -
Learn then what these benefits are -
One must perform repairs, renovation, or replacement for
their apertures so they could acquire better functions. One will acquire
enhanced insulation with this for one. They could find varied new designs which
will feature high energy efficiency. One could get low E panes, glazed panes,
or double panes. One will decrease heat transfer with this. Indoor temperatures
could be then stabilized. It will really decrease heating and cooling needs.
This will then mean decreased utility bills.
New apertures can also have many good features. You can find
ones that would prevent condensation. You can also find various designs that
are child-friendly. Some can also have insect screens. It would really be convenient
to use properly functioning apertures.
Renovating your apertures can also let you get improved
safety. You can use your apertures without fear of falling parts, broken panes,
or immovable hinges. Many new designs would also have enhanced safety features.
It would really improve your privacy too.
Renovating apertures can allow added beauty to be achieved.
The home's looks can be really updated effectively. A wide range of materials,
themes, and designs can be found for this. The desired look can be really
achieved as well.
A significant move for home improvement can be made with
renovating apertures. The property value would really be increased with this.
This investment can allow you to enjoy long term benefits.
One could perform such task themselves too if they want.
They could find various advice, tips, and guides for performing this. One could
try simple moves like using replacement windows, painting new colors, or adding
window treatments too.
Renovating windows will really be an advantageous move. One
must really consider performing this for their house. One will then acquire
beautiful, energy efficient, and secure apertures for their home.
For more information regarding sash window renovation and or sash window repairs please visit www.sashwindowdraughtproofinglondon.com
Choosing The Best Provider Of Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Our 2nd Free Home Improvement Guest Post...Thank you!
by Ava Hudson |
| If you would like us to publish your Guest Posts please send us a message, Thanks from Sash Window Repairs London!! |
Floorings that are made from hardwood tend to
get dull overtime. As it age it basically loses is shiny look. When you want to
give solution to this problem, consider having a hardwood floor refinishing
Seattle WA. There are so many companies that you can find that provides this
kind of service. Picking a provider that can meet your needs is crucial. So you
better consider the important things.
There are some things you can do to take of the floor. One way to maintain it is to apply polish on it. It protects it from scratch, moist and termites. In case that the damage is already too big for you to handle, it better to have professionals look at it. They will know if it needs replacement or just need to be refinished. Avoid anything that can cause serious damage to the planks.
Looking for a provider that can meet your needs can take some time. You will not find the right provider unless you exert some effort. That is why it is really important that you check important details and consider factors because this is one way for you to know if the provider is what you are looking for. Never make a selection unless you have considered the factors.
You need to confirm your necessities in the event that you need to discover a supplier that is solid. It might be simpler on your end if you recognize what you require. If you require certain reinstatements on the ground board or simply having it finished, you may as well verify that the provider you are contracting truly knows how to tackle the stated errand. It could be worth your cash.
Do make sure that they are operating legally and doing their business legally. Do not hire their services unless they are registered, certified and licensed. This is one way for you to know that the company is following high quality standards. If they cannot present to you the necessary documents, then it is better that you find another provider. Do not put yourself at risk.
Never forget to check the experience level of the company. Determine how long they have been in the business. If they have been doing the business long enough, they probably know how to give different solutions to different situations. An experience provider can really work efficiently and very effectively. So consider the experience of the company if you want good results.
Lastly, ask for quotes. This is important because rates do vary from one to another. They certainly are not created equal. Check also your budget and determine if you can afford it. You will be able to find the right company when you do your research carefully. Do not be in a hurry to find one, but instead take your time with it.
There certainly numerous providers of hardwood floor refinishing Seattle WA. What you need to do is choose the best one from among them. It may not be easy and it may take time. However, as long as you are patient with it, you will find it.
About the Author:There are some things you can do to take of the floor. One way to maintain it is to apply polish on it. It protects it from scratch, moist and termites. In case that the damage is already too big for you to handle, it better to have professionals look at it. They will know if it needs replacement or just need to be refinished. Avoid anything that can cause serious damage to the planks.
Looking for a provider that can meet your needs can take some time. You will not find the right provider unless you exert some effort. That is why it is really important that you check important details and consider factors because this is one way for you to know if the provider is what you are looking for. Never make a selection unless you have considered the factors.
You need to confirm your necessities in the event that you need to discover a supplier that is solid. It might be simpler on your end if you recognize what you require. If you require certain reinstatements on the ground board or simply having it finished, you may as well verify that the provider you are contracting truly knows how to tackle the stated errand. It could be worth your cash.
Do make sure that they are operating legally and doing their business legally. Do not hire their services unless they are registered, certified and licensed. This is one way for you to know that the company is following high quality standards. If they cannot present to you the necessary documents, then it is better that you find another provider. Do not put yourself at risk.
Never forget to check the experience level of the company. Determine how long they have been in the business. If they have been doing the business long enough, they probably know how to give different solutions to different situations. An experience provider can really work efficiently and very effectively. So consider the experience of the company if you want good results.
Lastly, ask for quotes. This is important because rates do vary from one to another. They certainly are not created equal. Check also your budget and determine if you can afford it. You will be able to find the right company when you do your research carefully. Do not be in a hurry to find one, but instead take your time with it.
There certainly numerous providers of hardwood floor refinishing Seattle WA. What you need to do is choose the best one from among them. It may not be easy and it may take time. However, as long as you are patient with it, you will find it.
You can visit the website www.soundsandfinish.com for more helpful information about Tips On Finding A Hardwood Floor Refinishing Provider
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Revealing Secrets On Why Double Glazed Wooden Sash Windows Can Increase The Value Of Your Home
The use of wood as a construction material has continued to evolve since time
immemorial. Its use and design has been upgraded constantly in order to be able to meet
the needs of the people who have sash windows on their homes. In fact, wood and timber still remains to be the favorite of a lot of structural
designers. Its growing patriots love sash windows not only because of its
unique features, but of all because of the great comfort and convenience that
it offers to individual homes. Indeed, these are some of the several reasons,
why double glazed wooden sash windows can increase the value of your home.
It is a fact that wooden windows have been a well
renowned symbol for classic elegance. If you are into the collection of antique
objects, sash windows will surely satisfy your meticulous taste. Because of the
windows ability to complement with various antique furniture and fixtures, this
has undoubtedly been the top choice of a lot of antique collectors.
Furthermore, timber windows are amazingly flexible. If you
are in to modern structural designs, it can also easily blend with your chosen
environment or motif. Timber sash windows may also be painted with all sorts of
colors that would fit any meticulous taste.
Timber windows are also unquestionably durable. It has
undergone a rigorous process in order to be able withstand shock. It has also a
unique locking system that would satisfy your intense need for security. For
this reason, double glazed windows will truly help in optimizing the security
system in a home.
Moreover, double glazed wooden sash windows are also
fantastic energy savers. The spaces in between the panes practically trap the
air and prevent heat loss in your room through the process of insulation.
Therefore, installing this type of double glazed window will help you cut down the energy
cost.
In addition, these double glazed windows are truly environment
friendly. Aside from preventing noise pollution, it also traps carbon that is
unconsciously being extinguished by homes. Its thick design promotes the
greatest sense of privacy.
Finally, good quality windows contribute to the over-all appearance
of your home. Since it comes in wonderful designs, you no longer have to worry
if it will fit the over all design of the house. Although these kinds of
windows may be truly expensive, its superior quality is practically all worth
the spending. It may even be considered as a wise investment especially for
people who are inclined to real estate. So whether you are planning to sell the
house in the future or simply planning to create the most perfect house to live
in, choosing a double glazed wooden sash windows will truly help you attain the
satisfaction that you have long been looking for.
For more information please visit www.sashwindowrepairs-london.co.uk
Sash Window Repairs London: Rewards Of Hiring A Skilled Sash Window Repairs Fi...
Sash Window Repairs London: Rewards Of Hiring A Skilled Sash Window Repairs Fi...: Lots of work goes into ensuring that your classical home is well maintained and everything including the windows is in good working order th...
Rewards Of Hiring A Skilled Sash Window Repairs Firm
Lots of work goes into ensuring that your classical home is
well maintained and everything including the windows is in good working order
throughout. It is quite common to find that many homeowners however do not give
the fixtures the importance they require and will instead wait until the last
minute or carry out small inadequate do-it-yourself jobs. Below you will find
out why it is much more beneficial to involve expert sash window repairs firms
before the escalation of issues.
One of the advantages that cannot go without mention is the
experience they have earned over the years in dealing with problems both big
and small. These experts deal with different light opening issues every day
therefore able to deal with the ones you present them with efficiently and
quickly. Most homeowners do not have these valuable experiences and will
instead probe around in the dark hoping to get lucky and get the fixtures in
working order.
Certification is key to ensure that you do not land into
trouble with the law this is because a couple of legislations have been put in
place in many counties and cities. Some building regulations require the
installation done to a specific range to ensure maximum thermal efficiency in
the buildings and homes. Professionals are privy to such information and are in
a position to ensure that your openings are up to the standards.
Experts are also expected to give building and homeowners
with certification that the houses do indeed fall into standards that are
required of them. The certificate comes in handy during the sale of your home
especially if the buyer's attorney requests for it. A certificate that has the
backing of insurance will just help to fasten the process without incurring
extra expenses that can be quite expensive.
During a home improvement project having a professional by
your side can prove invaluable as they are in the best position to give you
advice based on experience and training. This will save you tremendous time
allowing you to concentrate on other things you are good at. This type of
fixture should be installed in such a way that it is strong and can withstand
against strong winds and rains.
Insurance is another important advantage that you should
take into consideration especially in the protection of your precious
preoperty. It is quite common for accidents to happen even with professionals
on the job but an expert has the added advantage of a liability insurance
cover. Injuries can also not be ruled out hence the need for the workers
compensation policy that is able to take care of any hospitalization costs
likely to be incurred.
Every expert in the field will willingly hand over a list of
all their former clients in what is known as a client reference. This list
provides you with a means to verify the level of repairs expertise that they
are able to provide to you. This gives you more confidence that you are indeed
working with professionals who are more than ready to provide you with quality
services.
Finally, a professional London sash window repair company has the
work force to attend to any emergency at any time without running short of
labor. This allows you to feel as little as possible discomfort without
spending the night in the cold as you wait for someone to come in. All this
will let you enjoy the view out of your installment for many decades to come.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)