Window+Maintenance

Window Maintenance
WIndows require regular maintenance on frames, sashes, glass and operating systems to keep them working successfully over time.

Sash joints should be sealed with a sealer with an undercoat or primer before assembly and installation

Sills need to be properly prepared, painted and sealed to prevent rotting before they are installed

In older windows (pre 1940's) vertically operated window sashes (Box Frame Windows) were "hung" on sash cords. The cords regularly need replacing as they rot and the weigths drop to the the bottom of the pocket.

Here's a couple of videos that demonstrate how to replace sash cords in double hung windows.

The first video is of a propretary system in vovling retro fitting of weather seals to sashes and stop (staff) beads and parting beads. It provides a good overview of the entire process. media type="youtube" key="C2Bm0Pu0DUc" height="390" width="480"

This second video shows a rang of the more modern sash balancing systems (Spiral and Spring systems). It has information about ording the correct balance from the particular company but talks about tensioning and fitting, which is very useful information.

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Tools required:
 * Hammer,
 * 25mm (min width) bevelled edge chisel (wider if possible) for levering off stop (staff) beads
 * 10mm chisel for cleaning out parting bead grooves
 * Utility knife (aka Stanley knife) for cutting through paint lines to make removal of beads easier and reduce bead breakage.
 * 25mm paint brush for cleaning off dust and painting repaired sections where necessary
 * screw divers for removing and replacing spiral / spring balances.
 * "mouse" and string for replacing sash cords
 * routers and cutters if changing balance systems and retro fitting window seals

Materials:
 * sash cord (when needed)
 * Primer or undercoat
 * epoxy fillers - if needed
 * Clouts or flat head nails for final nailing of sash cords (placement of nails is critical to make sashes operate correctly) Don't use pins or bullet heads as they usually fail early.
 * Putty if necessary
 * Screws ( appropirate sizing is necessary) 6g - 8g are common depending on purpose.
 * [|window seals] when necessary.