Many feel that old, double-hung sash windows are a necessary feature on ‘period’ homes. They should never be replaced except as a final solution after everything else has been tried. They’re worth saving for lots of reasons and they’re not too difficult to restore. Here’s how sash windows work, or, sometimes, don’t work.

Some guy who makes his living restoring older homes was once overheard saying that people who lived in older homes often have never seen some of their windows (or all of them) work as was intended when they were first installed. The good news is this isn’t that difficult or expensive to remedy. Some repairs you might do yourself.

Sometimes the only thing keeping a window from working is too many coats of paint. Maybe it’s been painted shut or had so many layers painted on that it’s gotten gunked up. Some paint remover, a blade and a scraper could go a long way to fixing the problem if it’s that simple.

One problem most common to all sash windows is a malfunctioning of the weight and pulley system that’s used in counter-balancing of the sash. After any number of years of operation, the ropes or chains just wear out and need replacement. This can be another DIY for some. The weight system is reached through the removal of a cover plate located on the window frame surface.

The chains or ropes that suspend the weights are going to need replacement sometime. These things get old after decades of going up and down every day. Fixing the problem is fairly easy and straightforward and if you’re handy you might even be able to handle it yourself.

What’s the best advice on old double-hung ‘period’ windows? Repair rather than replace. Wood windows are efficient. Wood is a great insulator. Don’t let someone try to convince you that the new plastic, thermal paned, hi-tech windows should be installed as replacements. Plus, they just wouldn’t look appropriate on your older home.

Here’s a little more advice. If you want to find someone to fix your windows, look for someone who makes that kind of work his specialty. He’ll know how sash windows work and how to fix them when they don’t. Use a specialist. They’re out there.

Get all the information you need to know about easy ways to repair your windows at a sash window workshop now! Discover easy ways you can easily increase the value of your home when you have sash window repairs done as soon as they are needed.

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