Whether you need a simple cord replacement, pulley replacement, reglazing using hand blown cylinder glass, our complete refurbishment service, (which includes draught proofing) or perhaps expert advice on Security Enhancement, we will be happy to undertake a full survey and send you a written summary of necessary and optional works. We are also able to advise on the potential for installing double glazing or acoustic glazing to existing windows. In all cases we are delighted to provide references from previous clients - please peruse the Testimonials page on this site.
As the set of four cords are installed at the same time, when a failure occurs in one, there is a risk that others will also break. We therefore recommend the replacement of all at the same time to guarantee trouble-free operation in the future. We use white nylon plaited cords.
Many original pulleys were of a simple, forged design and over years of use the spindle wears to an oval shape resulting in noisy and often uneven operation. The main reasons for replacement are:
Owners of properties with these windows need to carry out periodic sash window maintenance to ensure they continue to operate properly. Where this has not been the case, this comprehensive service is very popular with clients.
This process involves the thorough investigation of all aspects of the window condition and operation. In many cases partial repairs to either the boxes and or the sashes themselves can extend their life and avoid the expense of a full replacement unit. The following are included in our assessment:
This is often provided at the same time as our Full Refurbishment Service as it enables us to improve the energy efficiency of your windows by installing modern materials.The usual indications that this service would be beneficial are rattling sashes with the wind howling through the gaps as well as the ingress of dust and also noise. At the same time, the action of raising and lowering the sashes can be difficult with the sashes juddering from side to side. We can improve all these aspects with noticeable results, as commented upon in our Testimonials section. A typical project would include the following steps:
NB With many windows being over 100 years old there is an unavoidable issue with the dust of ages that exists within the boxes. We make every effort to protect your home with fine weave dust sheets for all soft furnishings and electrical equipment and matting to protect hard floor coverings. Particular attention is paid to cleaning up after each day’s work to minimise the inconvenience during the works.
Whether scope exists to upgrade your existing sashes to accommodate double glazed units will primarily depend upon the dimensions of the timber used to make the sashes as well as the scope to install heavier weights in the boxes. In addition, certain Local Authorities place restrictions on changes to glazing in the case of Conservation Areas and for Listed Buildings, the relevant team at your local council will be happy to tell you about any such requirements that apply in your area.
Security is understandably a consideration both for householders as well as their insurers and we can offer a range of options to meet these needs. See Sash Window furniture. In particular we are often asked how to achieve good ventilation for , say a child’s bedroom but without the risk of them climbing out through the lower sash! The installation of a set of Secure Sash Stops fits the bill perfectly by restricting the overall aperture to a predetermined size. A key operated system allows the stops to be removed for full access for cleaning and maintenance.
Noise can be a real problem in some locations and where installing double glazed units is not possible we have successfully reduced noise levels by using an Acoustic glass. As with any such change, the dimensions of the sashes are critical as well as the size of the boxes where the weights hang. To maximise the benefits of this option, we recommend installation of draught proofing measures – please see above. However, please note that certain Local Authorities place restrictions on changes to glazing in the case of Conservation Areas and for Listed Buildings, the relevant team at your local council will be happy to tell you about any such requirements that apply in your area.
Where replacement panes are needed in Listed Buildings, we are able to supply and install this glass which mirrors many of the characteristics of the original panes and is difficult to distinguish once installed.
