Antique Window Repair Makes Quaint Improvement Easy



by Jason Manning


Quality sash window refurbishment requires attention to detail and care for the little things. A sash window unit is made up of two panels that may have only one pane each or several panes (of equal number) separated by wood muntins. Cables and counterweights make it possible to raise the lower panel to nearly the same height as the upper panel. Proper refurbishment may involve replacement of the cables, weights, and muntins.

Sash windows are often considered archaic pieces, and many people choose to replace them with more energy efficient alternatives. For those people who appreciate historic touches, though, these are very charming elements. Commonly used by the nineteenth century, sash windows were available to Britain's wealthy landowners as early as the mid-seventeenth century. Sometimes, in fact, the broad rays of light they afford are referred to collectively as Yorkshire lighting.

Owners of homes refurbished to maintain historical integrity report many benefits. Replacing sash windows may improve the energy efficiency of the home, but their are other elements of comfort worth noting. For instance, many people feel the streams of light that enter through tall, elegant sash windows elevate a sense of peace. Such light may certainly affect a lower electricity bill.

In temperate climates, cool breezes may be motivated by manipulation of the window units themselves. Lowering the upper panel and raising the lower panel will help to create a circulatory breeze in fairly constant motion. Hot air rises and escapes through the upper panel. Cool air pushes in through the lower panel opening. As this circulates the entire room is cooled.

Many window units will require specific sorts of refurbishment. Common points of repair include weight, cable, wood muntins, and metal fittings or lock mechanism replacement. Sometimes panes will require repair or replacement as well.

Many sash cables are constructed of cloth or lead, but steel cables may be the best choice when replacements are chosen. Lead cables present a health risk because they may become worn. As they are used to raise and lower the window, they may release particles of lead that inhabitants of the home may breath into their lungs. Cloth is more likely to rot or break than steel cables, too.

Wood muntins are often fashioned from other window sashes that are not redeemable. People who work with window sash repairs often collect old panels for just this purpose. It may be possible, too, however, to fashion new muntins that look identical to the the originals.

When metal fittings and lock mechanisms need replacing, there are many options for new ones. Modern or historical pieces may be found online, in restoration catalogs, or at hardware stores.

Glass panes are often era specific. Among the styles that are commonly found in homes with sash windows are bubbly glass, oily glass, or wavy glass. Choosing glass that matches the other panes' style will help to maintain the window units integrity.

Repairs and refurbishments such as these can make a big difference for a historical property. Choosing to maintain historical property integrity means paying attention to little details and working to choose the best pieces for replacement.




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