Understanding 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.
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.
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.
The two really important things about sash window repair are that the wood has integrity and there is a good coat of paint protecting it. These two things combined with weather seals, double glazed glass and re-balancing will ensure you have top notch windows in your home operating at peak performance. This will ensure that you have a draft-free window that retains heat and will last you for many more years.
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.
Quite often the ropes inside the sash will rot and break causing the window to become unbalanced. These ropes are attached to sash weighs which counterbalance the weight of the window. The sash rope rolls over a pulley wheel. Sometimes these wheels have to be replaced if they no longer turn, you may get them to work again with just a bit of lubrication. If they need to be replaced there are a variety of metals to choose from like polished brass, polished chrome, satin chrome, satin nickel or a more economical steel/nylon wheel.
When you find dry rot in the sash, box or sill replace it with a hardwood and use traditional cabinetry methods to achieve a uniform look throughout the home. Make sure to embellish the window to match the rest of the house if needed and double glaze. Finish off with new hardware and you have created a 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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Tags: builders, Carpentry, construction, decorating, diy, eco friendly, Environment, home, house, painting, property, windows
April 07 2010 07:08 am | Carpentry