Sash Windows have moving parts. Sometimes these break and it can seem like a mystery as to what has gone wrong. Here is a rough guide as to what a tradesperson will do to repair a sash window.
Assessing the Window First
He will also check for any sign of rot, faulty pulleys, and damaged or broken sash cords. This will give him an idea of what parts he can use from your sash window and what he will need to replace them with.
Removing the Sashes
The staff beads are removed from the staff bead channel around the inner edge of the frame. The bottom sash is then lifted down and the parting beads are removed to allow the upper sash to be removed also from the frame.
Repairing Rotten Timber
Cut back rotten timber to hard sound timber and fill with a two part consolidator such as epoxy. Alternatively, where a section of timber has failed, the broken part can be removed and a new timber splice can be glued and pinned in place.
Replacing Cords and Pulleys
New sash cord is fed over pulleys and then down into the box where it is tied around the cast-iron weight. A knot is formed in the sash groove to secure it. This is one of the most common parts of Sash Windows to fail, particularly in older houses, as the sash cord can snap.
Fitting Draught Seals
The draught seals are inserted into the routed channels in the sashes before they are put back. These could be brush piles or rubber. They will help to stop cold air entering and hot air leaving but will not restrict the sashes’ movement.
Final Adjustment and Finishing
Once the repair has been completed the sashes are put back in place, given a final test to ensure they are still opening and closing smoothly and any bare timber touched with a coat of primer and paint.
A useful reference for Sash Window Repair London is https://www.sashwindowpreservation.co.uk/services/sash-window-repair/london/.
All the work is completed so that once you have opened and closed your newly repaired sash window, it will function exactly as you would have expected new sash windows to have done!
