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Sash Window Repairs London
DIY advice and tips
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The Sash window restoration Experts: Posted on 14 May 2013 09:55
Sash window repair, refurbishment and restoration - Sash Window Repairs London, all you need to know about repairing your old sash windows.
There are several benefits associated with sash window repairs. For one, you do not have to spend huge amounts of money replacing your windows, regardless of what the wooden window sales person may have told you. In stead, you can simply hire a wooden window restoration and repair company or contractor to perform any refurb / renovation or decorative enhancements such as redecorating and painting the windows. There are countless firms in your area that specialize in overhauling or refurbishing existing window whether they be sash windows or casement windows, so long as they are wooden windows they can in most cases be restored and repaired often for far less than replacement. These companies can be found online, or by accessing your local business listings. Most of the London based companies also offer free estimates on all window repairs, labour, and services performed. They even offer warranties for any new parts or components that need to be installed. Like any part of your home or office, windows have to be properly maintained at all times. This includes frequent cleaning, which helps ensure optimal illumination and light for any room. Whether you have single or double glazed units, you have to make sure both the exteriors and interiors are clean as well. Damage to windows made from timber is not as common as you may think but it does happen, this can result from the weather, along with insects, debris, dust, dirt, and other elements. If the window frame is pretty much intact, there really is no need to order full replacement windows as retro fit double glazed or single glazed windows can be made to fit the old frames. Simply contact your local London sash window repair service, and they will meet your needs within time and on budget. Before hiring any local company, you should check their ratings on the web. This includes past client testimonials, along with industry ratings or rankings. You should also check to see if these companies are fully insured and certified. This way, you can make a worthwhile and informed hiring decision. Sadly, there are so called window experts that are not fully insured or certified. In fact, many of them work as independent contractors for larger firms and companies. According to industry experts, you need to hire directly from the respective firm. This will guaranteed professional repairs and services from start to finish. Whether you have wooden windows or metallic units, you simply deserve the best services you can afford. In recent years, window refurbishing and restoration has also soared in global popularity. From homes to apartments, this is the best way to restore proper functionality to all your window sets and accessories. Due to the fiscal crisis, a number of homeowners are looking for affordable repair services. With sash window refurbishment, your old tired windows are guaranteed to work like new. In fact, area experts will remove any obstacles that are hindering maximum performance for your windows. This includes issues with locks, along with panes that have been damaged over time. They also overhaul the windows and repair rotten sections with new wooden sections and also as part of the window restoration process will draught strip the windows to ensure the sash windows maintain optimum thermal performance in the winter. Having shiny new window units can really spruce up your home. If you are tired of glass streaks and dirt, why not get your units professionally cleaned as well? In addition to installations and maintenance, most companies also offer cleaning services at affordable rates. This too is the perfect way to protect your units, while saving both time and money. With sash window repairs and restoration along with cleaning, you are guaranteed the best services on the market today. |
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Posted on 05 November 2012 14:45
 Having original period wooden windows in the home is a very attractive feature but the glass can be prone to scratches, especially if it is the original glass. Replacing this original blown or crown glass with modern float glass can prove to be quite expensive and on top of this, the modern glass will not have the attractive bubbles and waves that are so common on historic glass. If you walk down any old London street, take a glance at the windows as you pass by, you will notice the beautiful glimmer from slight distortions that this old glass has as it twinkles in the sun. Some of this glass is more than a hundred years old and was blown by hand by craftsmen in what would have been pretty harsh, hot and dangerous conditions. If you had an ornament in your home that was hand made over 100 years ago would you throw it out and replace it with something from a shop like Ikea? Don’t get me wrong I am not knocking Ikea they have some great stuff but I am guessing that most people wouldn’t replace an antique vase witha mass produced contemporary peice. So, the question is if you are keen to retain this period glass is their any way of removing unsightly scratches from it? The answer is yes! There are many products on the market which are basically mild abrasives that you apply to the window and buff, usually with a cotton buffer (you can find these in craft shops and also car care shops like Halfords) Some of these products are quite expensive but they all have one thing in common, they are all mild abrasives. Here is a trick for you that will potentially save you some money as well as a trip to the shops. All you need is a product that I am pretty confident most of us already have in our bathrooms right now…. TOOTH PASTE! Sounds bizarre, but take my word for it this stuff actually works better than some of the specialist products available (mentioning no names) I have found that the best type of tooth paste to use is the non gel type paste and if you have tooth whitening soda based toothpaste then all the better.  We have been removing light scratches from glass using toothpaste for over twenty years, the look on our customers faces when they see us squeezing Colgate tooth whitening tooth paste onto their windows always makes me smile, and the smile on the clients face when they see the scratches gone is even better. It is best to use a circular motion and work the tooth paste into the window scratch until the paste turns powdery. Once you have done this, and lost a few pounds in the process too! you will need to rinset he toothpaste off with warm water. Do not add detergent as this will leave a smeary residue on the glass which can be difficult to polish out. I really hope this helps you and if it saves just one old wooden window from a destiny of landfill then I am a very happy chappy! Good luck with your restoration projects and do give me a call if you need any futher help I am always available just ask. Telephone: 020 8568 9220 Kindest regards as always Nathan |
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Posted on 03 October 2012 11:25
Our Advice On Repairing and Painting Sash Windows There are many home owners out there who prefer to carry out property maintenance services themselves. If you are one of them, here is some good expert advice on how to repair and paint timber windows so that you do not have to pay out for sash window specialists to fix the problem. Wooden window frames will last a lifetime as long as you constantly protect the wood from moisture.  Even a weather proofed wooden frame is bound to give in to constant exposure to direct sun light and moisture. Such will lead to the structure rotting away. Usually, you can identify the problem by just looking how the surface appears. Tapping on the wooden windows frame using your finger or a screwdriver will often determine the extent of damage. If rot has gotten deep into the frame, you might need to use a saw to cut ther otten surface away. Ronseal epoxy wood filler can be used to fill any small gaps that will be left on the window frame. Make sure you follow the guidelines printed on the packaging to ensure that the wood filler adheres properly to the frame. You may need to use a chemical wood hardener if the exposed timber issoft but always remove wet areas as any attempt to fill such areas, regardless of whether or not you use hardener will result in the repair failing very quickly. Normally, it takes a day for the filling material to dry. Carry out some tests to check whether the filled surface is as hard as the rest of the frame. Sandpaper or any other available smoothing material can be used to eliminate rough surfaces. Water based wood fillers may not be the most appropriate choice for very large gaps. For this, timber is best choice to fill the gap. Trace the outline surface ofthe gap onto a piece of wood with a drawing pencil. Trim the piece of wood appropriately using a saw. Fix the piece of wood onto the gap. Nails, glue or wooden pegs can be used to hold it in place. Epoxy resin is then used to fill any visible gap and the surface left to dry completely before sanding. A great tip is you do not have to buy expensive wood filler epoxy resin; car body repair resin is pretty much identical to the wood products albeit a different colour. Car body repair resin is much cheaper to buy and can be found on Ebay or online for half the price of Ronseal epoxy resin for wood. Before you start painting the surface, there are a few things you will need to consider first. You need to find out the best way to condition the wood and the proper application technique to avoid sealing the window shut. Also, you should beaware of the best way to cover and clean adjacent surfaces to encourage an expert looking finish. Clean the wood windows properly using sugar soap and at least two rinses with fresh warm water and allow it to dry completely. Sand down with the grain any rough surfaces. Make sure you do not sand against the grain because this would lead to the damage of the wood. Cover the flooring surface beneath the window and dust the frame using a piece of cloth. Also, cover those parts that are not to be painted with a masking tape. Apply a primer coat first and when this has dried, gently rub the window frame with a fine sand paper without exposing the timber work, this allows the next coat agood key. Apply two coats of good quality paint to the wood frame (we recommend Dulux WeatherShield) in a similar way as the primer and allow to at least 12 hours of dry time between coats. When painting sash windows or casement windows it is always a good opportunity to replace the furniture as you will need to remove them any way. Reddiseals have a good selection of sash window hardware and their prices are pretty good too. Ifyou are working on sash windows we would recommend that you replace all the beadings with new draught proofing beads. You will need to remove the staff beads and parting beads anyway to enable you to do a thorough painting job. A sash window that is not insulated can increase your heating bills dramatically, once again Reddiseals sell direct to the public a DIY draught proofing kit that comes with new window catches and ropes and I believe it even comes with instructions too! |
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The wooden window workshop advice team: Posted on 28 June 2012 10:27
 As temperatures drop in winter, the warm air escapes through the windows anddoors. You will have to use heating systems that consume lots of energy inorder to keep the house warm. Insulating your home will add an extra layer ofheat resistant materials that will save you money on your energy bills. Here is a detailed guide on home insulation and draught proofing methods for the home. Unwanted draughts and cold air are not pleasant or comfortable. You should think about how to stop draughts that penetrate through the doors, windows, floors, andother areas of the house. Draught proofing is the solution as it combinesv arious methods that are intended to insulate the home. The first step is to find out the areas that are most exposed to draughts. Generally, the entry of cold air or the escaping of warm air occurs near the windows and doors. Once you address these problems, you are on your way to resolving them. If you are still not sure how to stop the cold air from comingin, here are some ideas. For your windows, buy draught-proof strips that stick around the frame and fill the gaps with self adhesive foam. These foams are cheap and easy to use. However,they do not last very long. It is better to use plastic or metal strips with attached wipers. Again these are cheap but they are not long lasting. Measure the frame before buying the strip as it must be the right size to fill the gap.It is too small, there will still be cold air coming in. For sash windows draught proofing foam strips are not recommended. Use brush strips or hire a professional to do the task for you. Or you can use a silicon sealant to fill the gaps. The next step is to draught-proof your doors. It will not cost a great deal and you can actually save a lot of heat from escaping through the holes. There arev arious places that the warm air could escape from, such as the keyhole,mailbox, gaps at the bottom of the door and around the edges. Buy an all-purpose-made cover with a metal disc for the keyhole. Use a flap or brush to fit your mailbox and use a hinged draught excluding flap to cover thegap at the bottom of the door. For the edges of the door, fit wiper strips thatare also used for windows. When you feel cold air in some areas of your house, you can be sure that there are small holes or gaps. The loss of heat from your rooms results in the fluctuations in the temperature, thus making you and your family feel uncomfortable during cold winter months. This is why the government has set out new building regulations that ensure all new houses are completely draught proofed. The tiny cracks around the doors and windows are wide enough to allowup to 20 percent of heat to escape from the house. Therefore, sealing these gaps will help your home retain the warm air inside. Wooden floors should alsobe draught-proofed by applying fillers in between the gaps. Insulation contractors specialize in identifying draughts in your home and they generally charge the same amount as it would cost you to buy the materials from a DIY store. These specialists use safety equipment and guarantee their work for upto 10 years or even longer. They are licensed and regulated so you will not have to worry about the quality of the work that is carried out atyour property. One way of locating a reputed company is by going online and searching for its website. Read the previous customers' testimonials about the Insulation Company or contractor as it will be worthwhile to hire a licensed person rather than doing the work yourself. Whether you decide to do the draught-proofing yourself, or you hire professional contractors' services, the money you spend is worth the investment, as you willsave significantly on your energy bills for many years to come. Most homes lose around 10 to 20 percent of their heat via draughts and lack of ventilation. The time invested to seal these gaps will reduce the amount of warm air that escapes. No homeowner wants to waste money on heating the house when all the warm air is going out through holes and gaps. Hiring professional contractors is a good idea as they will insulate your home properly and they can guarantee their work too. Here is some information about how these companies insulate a house: Cavity wall insulation is one of the most popular methods of insulating external walls. The thin brick walls are treated by drilling tiny holes into the wall and injecting the insulation materials into it. This method is referred to as"blown in" and is highly advised to be carried out by expert contractors. Insulating solid walls will save you even more on energy bills per year than brick walls. Home insulation and draught proofing is the loft or attic is another effective method of saving money. The contractors use thick insulating materials of atleast 250 mm to lay in the loft area. This method can be done in DIY, however there are some areas which are difficult to reach and you will need assistance. By insulating your attic, you will reduce your energy bills and slash one ton of carbon dioxide. Home insulation and draught proofing choices must be taken seriously by every homeowner, especially if you wish to save money on energy bills in the longterm. There are numerous insulation methods and materials available and each one has specific advantages. Many contractors specialize in a particular application, such as using fiberglass for attics and walls, or recycled materials that are fluffy for older types of properties. New build properties will benefit more from materials that are sprayed on. This is because these materials are resistant to mold, lighter in weight and have drying time qualities. However, it is best to seek the advice of a reliable company about the most appropriate materials to use in your home. |
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Posted on 24 May 2012 11:56
As temperatures drop in winter, the warm air escapes through the windows and doors. You will have to use heating systems that consume lots of energy in order to keep the house warm. Insulating your home will add an extra layer of heat resistant materials that will save you money on your energy bills. Here is detailed guide on home insulation and draught proofing methods for the home.Unwanted draughts and cold air are not pleasant or comfortable. You should think about how to stop draughts that penetrate through the doors, windows, floors, and other areas of the house. Draught proofing is the solution as it combines various methods that are intended to insulate the home.The first step is to find out the areas that are most exposed to draughts. Generally, the entry of cold air or the escaping of warm air occurs near the windows and doors. Once you address these problems, you are on your way to resolving them. If you are still not sure how to stop the cold air from coming in, here are some ideas.For your windows, buy draught-proof strips that stick around the frame and fill the gaps with self adhesive foam. These foams are cheap and easy to use. However, they do not last very long. It is better to use plastic or metal strips with attached wipers. Again these are cheap but they are not long lasting.Measure the frame before buying the strip as it must be the right size to fill the gap. It is too small, there will still be cold air coming in. For sash windows, foam strips are not recommended. Use brush strips or hire a professional to do the task for you. Or you can use a silicon sealant to fill the gaps.The next step is to draught-proof your doors. It will not cost a great deal and you can actually save a lot of heat from escaping through the holes. There are various places that the warm air could escape from, such as the keyhole, mailbox, gaps at the bottom of the door and around the edges. Buy an all-purpose-made cover with a metal disc for the keyhole. Use a flap or brush to fit your mailbox and use a hinged draught excluding flap to cover the gap at the bottom of the door. For the edges of the door, fit wiper strips that are also used for windows. When you feel cold air in some areas of your house, you can be sure that there are small holes or gaps. The loss of heat from your rooms results in the fluctuations in the temperature, thus making you and your family feel uncomfortable during cold winter months. This is why the government has set out new building regulations that ensure all new houses are completely draught proofed. The tiny cracks around the doors and windows are wide enough to allow up to 20 percent of heat to escape from the house. Therefore, sealing these gaps will help your home retain the warm air inside. Wooden floors should also be draught-proofed by applying fillers in between the gaps.Insulation contractors specialize in identifying draughts in your home and they generally charge the same amount as it would cost you to buy the materials from a DIY store. These specialists use safety equipment and guarantee their work for up to 10 years or even longer. They are licensed and regulated by the state, so you will not have to worry about the quality of the work that is carried out at your property. One way of locating a reputed company is by going online and searching for its website. Read the previous customers' testimonials about the Insulation Company or contractor as it will be worthwhile to hire a licensed person rather than doing the work yourself. Whether you decide to do the draught-proofing yourself, or you hire professional contractors' services, the money you spend is worth the investment, as you will save significantly on your energy bills for many years to come. Most homes lose around 10 to 20 percent of their heat via draughts and lack of ventilation. The time invested to seal these gaps will reduce the amount of warm air that escapes. No homeowner wants to waste money on heating the house when all the warm air is going out through holes and gaps. Hiring professional contractors is a good idea as they will insulate your home properly and they can guarantee their work too. Here is some information about how these companies insulate a house: Cavity wall insulation is one of the most popular methods of insulating external walls. The thin brick walls are treated by drilling tiny holes into the wall and injecting the insulation materials into it. This method is referred to as "blown in" and is highly advised to be carried out by expert contractors. Insulating solid walls will save you even more on energy bills per year than brick walls. Home insulation and draught proofing is the loft or attic is another effective method of saving money. The contractors use thick insulating materials of at least 250 mm to lay in the loft area. This method can be done in DIY, however there are some areas which are difficult to reach and you will need assistance. By insulating your attic, you will reduce your energy bills and slash one ton of carbon dioxide.Home insulation and draught proofing choices must be taken seriously by every homeowner, especially if you wish to save money on energy bills in the long term. There are numerous insulation methods and materials available and each one has specific advantages. Many contractors specialize in a particular application, such as using fiberglass for attics and walls, or recycled materials that are fluffy for older types of properties. New build properties will benefit more from materials that are sprayed on. This is because these materials are resistant to mold, lighter in weight and have drying time qualities. However, it is best to seek the advice of a reliable company about the most appropriate materials to use in your home. |
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Posted on 21 May 2012 11:20
There are many ways that a home owner can keep their home insurance costs lower.
One ways is to implement a strong home safety plan. If your home has large easy to access windows on the ground floor then you will need sash window security locks and catches, as your insurance may not even be valid without them! A very simple way to do reduce you risks can be by the installation of a burglar alarm, motion sensor lights, and secure locks and bolts. DIY kits and wireless alarm systems are widely available online and in store, with some even having the capability to call your mobile if triggered. Go into any hardware store and check out the variety of window locks that are available on the market but make sure that what you plan to buy is actually recognised by your insurer before you make the purchase. It is clearly stated with most insurers that if you install proper recognised security then you will have lower fees but always make sure you have proof of installation. Take photos of devices and personal belongings and keep them on record along with any sales receipts. It is always a potential that a robber can break in directly through the glass in your windows even if they are locked up, but then the thief will be taking the risk of injury and maybe leaving his/her DNA behind at the scene. One way to prevent this is to replace the glass with laminate or toughened glass although if this is done on a balanced sash window you will need to remember to increase the weight of the balances, as laminate can be double the weight of 4mm glass. The sash window will not stay open and will simply slide down again or worse still the top sash may open on its own should the catch fail! Take a good look around the exterior of your building and imagine that you are a burglar, what do you see? Make a note of all the security spots that are potential for thieves and think of something to deter the robbers before they even have a chance, remember most burglaries are not exactly planned operations, most are opportunist situations, remove the opportunity and you reduce the risk. Even a simple timber trelace above a garden gate is going to make things more difficult for someone to climb over. I once locked myself out of my house a few years ago, I initially was quite worried about how on earth I would gain entry without paying a locksmith. I was very shocked after the event at how easy I managed to get in, I actually got through a window left open on the first floor. All I needed was a ladder and a strong stomach! Since this time I religiously lock every window before leaving the house. Burglars do not only target the lower floor of a home they also go after the upper level windows. This is why locks are so crucial all over the house. Make certain that only the house hold members have the keys and always keep things locked when you are away. Always inform you neighbours if you are going away for more than a day, even if you do not know them that well if they see something "not quite right" then the will call you or even better the police. Be wise when dealing with the insurers and take all measures that they suggest, remember insurance is not there to give you a false sense of security it is there to protect you if you are subject to an attack. Should you need to make a claim it would be very hard to hear that the insurance was infact invalid due to you not having the minimum security installed. If you would like assistance with window security the please visit our main site here |
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The Wooden Window Workshop Advice Team: Posted on 17 May 2012 14:08
Is it really possible to Reduce Your Energy Bills By just simple measure like Draught Proofing Your Sash Windows?
It is quite possible to reduce your energy costs by very simple methods including roof insulation, wall insulation and also draught proofing your windows. This will no doubt lower your utility bills and will create a more comfortable environment in your home during the winter. If you have draughts, don't despair, repairing heat losing windows is very possible even as a DIY project as long as you have a reasonable level of skill. You could always call in a professional specialist company to complete the work but then the cost will be higher. Sash windows, usually made of wood, are found in many older homes across the UK including London. Since this style of window appeals to many homeowners it is increasingly the case that people are choosing to renovate rather than replace these windows due to the charm or soul that they can often give to a house. There is usually a top section and a lower one, either equal in size or with a stylish difference. The lower sash, or both, can be raised and lowered to allow the ventilation. It is fantastic if both open as it is possible on a hot day to open both, thus allowing the hot air within the room to rise naturally and escape and cooler air to enter the lower sash, in effect quite a good air conditioning system! Problems can arise when these windows become older, loose in their settings, worn by the friction of opening and closing, or stiffened by age and layer upon layer of paint. The caulking around the outer frame can lose its seal or fall out, the inner seals of the window casings may become worn, and the putty around individual panes of glass can fail. Once any seal allows air to seep through, the insulating value of the window is compromised. Don't think replacing the windows with modern ones is the only, or the best option. This is an expensive remedy and one which may destroy the historic integrity of the house. Fixing your existing period window is nearly always possible with structural repairs that can leave the windows as good as new. Temporary solutions may be simply blocking the air coming in from outside, or escaping from the warm interior to the outdoors, with weatherstripping that can be cheaply purchased from shops like Homebase. This method should only ever be considered a temporary fix but if done right can be extremely effective. A common kind of draught strip available online (the cheapest online product we found was on Ebay) is felt strips with adhesive on one side. You simply press the strips in place, closing the gap between a window and its surrounding frame. This can reduce draughts and heat loss, though it may not be completely effective. Weatherstripping can also be made of foam or the plastic, pliable cord that comes in rolls and is pressed into place like clay. Other quick fixes can include an secondary glazing, which is just a frame with a pane of glass or plastic that fits inside the entire window, creating one more layer of air for insulation, and blocking the movement of air through the loose panes of the outer window. There are plastic sheets, applied to the inside window frame with heat, that seal the window in the same way. Even heavy curtains can block cold air from entering a room through the window. A better way is to take the time and trouble to dismantle the window, remove the staff beadings and repair or replace the caulk that fills the gap between the frame and the wall. The parting bead should be removed as well, all beading can then be replaced with new timber beads that have plastic track inserted also available online, Reddiseals sells it prepainted with the track and brush already in place. Whilst you have the sliding sashes out it would be good practice to replace the sash cords and also check the timber for any signs of rot. If softness or rot is evident then it should be repaired as it will only spread and will eventually cause the window to fall into a state that may no longer be economical to repair. It can be very expensive to replace a full box sash window! After the work is done your window will initially be slightly harder to open but as the brush pile settles the window will or should work fine. If the above is done right and if you can afford to complement it with roof insulation then you will start to see the savings within the first year. |
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