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.

One astute old-home restorer in New England, USA, had an interesting observation. He said, speaking of people living in older homes, that most likely less than half of them have ever experienced a window in their house working as it was intended to do. Some of these things are a hundred years old plus. They probably worked well at one time and they can again. It’s not that hard.

Sometimes the only thing a window needs to start working again is the removal of some old paint. Decades or centuries of painting can gum up the works and cause difficulty in the window’s operation. This is a DIY (do-it-yourself) kind of thing if you’re handy enough.

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 cords (or chains) that the counter-weights hang on will normally break during their lifetime of service, but they can be replaced fairly easily. If you’re handy you might be able to do this one yourself, DIY style. You know, after a hundred years or so those ropes are going to be tired! It’s fairly straightforward to replace them.

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 just one more tip. If you’re going to hire someone to repair or restore your windows, hire someone who does that kind of work exclusively. You want someone who’s part finish-carpenter, part artist and part decorator. You want a specialist in old window restoration. He’ll know just how sash windows work or, at least how they’re supposed to work. And he’ll have them working like that again, too. Find yourself a good restoration guy. They’re out there.

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