Sash Windows: Service & Maintenance

1. Sash cord replacement & operational service

Sash cords are replaced with NZ made, UV Stable, marine-grade braided nylon cord. Operational service includes sash-fastener check, meeting rail sand and paint (if required), counter-weight balancing check, lubrication of pulleys, checking for smooth operation.

Sash cords are fastened to the side of the sash window and tied to the counter-balancing weight in the weight box cavity. Replacing the sash cord requires partial dismantling of the window, removal of the sash window and gaining access to the weight box cavity, either through the cavity hatch or by removing the architrave. Once completed, the window is re-assembled and gaps filled. Minor touch-up painting will be required by the owner.

2. Counterweight balancing

Counterweight balancing is required when sash windows do not stay in the position they are left in when opened.

Sash windows typically only require re-balancing where the original glass has been replaced by thicker, heavier float or laminated glass. Glass replacement is typically carried out by glaziers who do not increase the counter-weights at the time, leaving the window under-weighted and they tend to drift down. To access the weights, the sash window requires partial dismantling, the sash is weighed and the correct amount of additional weight is added to balance the window. Cylindrical lead weights are used and charged per kg fitted. Due to the process, sash cord replacement is necessary as part of the counterweight balancing service.

3. Window Easement – i.e. release stuck sashes

Painted or glued shut sash windows can be eased and made operational again. This most commonly applies to the top sash.

There are three common scenarios with stuck windows:

Windows that have been painted over
Windows that have become inoperable over time through infrequent use
Windows that have been intentionally glued/screwed shut (usually the top sash).

Getting windows unstuck is relatively straightforward, but once unstuck, where there is a build-up of paint, glue or gap-filler, the windows will not move up and down freely until the ‘sliding surfaces’ have been cleaned. This requires the sash window to be removed, cleaned and re-assembled.

We offer the following options:

Window easement only, i.e. releasing fixed or stuck sash windows
Dismantling the window and cleaning the sliding surfaces
Upper sash windows: If it is found that sash cords need replacing once the sash is released, sash cord replacement, operational service and re-balancing is done. Occasionally, pulleys (sash cord rollers) are found to be rusted and seized up from lack of use so pulleys may need to be replaced. Estimates for these possible additional services will be provided before any work commences.

4. Meeting-rail alignment

Where the top and bottom sash meeting-rails are misaligned, we can correct this.

The causes for meeting rail mis-alignment can vary, including:

Sashes being stuck in place, but in the wrong position
Warped or bowed meeting rails
Sashes falling apart at their joints
Window frame being out of square, typically caused by subsidence in the house foundations – commonly found in bay-windows.

With a variety of possible causes, a site visit to determine the cause of the issue will likely be required.

5. Window hardware & locks

Window hardware can be changed out, either as a standalone service or in conjunction with other work.

We are happy to re-fit your new or existing window hardware, supply and install new hardware or try and match antique hardware from our substantial collection of used hardware.

6. Spiral balance replacement & servicing

Spiral balances are helical coiled springs housed in a PVC tube that run vertically down the sides of the sash window frame. Spiral balances are a more recent alternative to the sash cord and counterweight system. The torsion springs are coiled to counter-balance the weight of the window making it easy to open and allowing it to stay in position when opened.

We service spiral balances but, in the majority of cases, replacement is required.

Signs that your spiral balances need replacement:

The window does not stay up when lifted
The spiral balance’s metal foot at the base of the sash has come loose
The PVC tube is split, exposing the grease-coated coiled spring
The steel spiral coil protrudes from the sash when the sash is opened.

Replacement spiral balances are custom-made to order based on the window size and weight. This requires a site visit to obtain the correct size and weight rating. Replacement spiral balances are sourced from Australia so the supply of spiral balances is subject to a lead time.

7. Replacement sashes

We supply and install custom-made new sashes with glazing of your choice. Draught proofing, counterweight balancing and new window hardware is standard with all new sashes installed.

Replacement sashes are made from Cedar or treated pine as per your preference. The sashes are primed and painted prior to installation, but final painting by your painters is required.

Where the entire sash window, including frame and sill, require replacement, we recommend you secure the services of a builder. We are happy to work alongside your builder to install the counterweights, hardware and get the window operating smoothly.

8. Rot repair

We are happy to attend to rot repair on windows we are doing other work to (most commonly retrofit double-glazing).

For window sill and window frame replacement (i.e. the non-moving parts), we recommend a builder does this work.

9. Rattling, loose or draughty sashes

We can correct rattling, loose or draughty sashes. Because of the multitude of possible causes, a site visit will be required.

Why us?

QUALITY MATERIALS

Our glass units comply with the NZ/AUS standard and carry a 10-year guarantee.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

We take our time and go the extra mile to ensure a neat
and tidy finish.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

Your sash windows will be well looked after & work completed to a high standard.

COMPETITIVE RATES

We offer a cost effective retrofit of your old sash windows.

FREE ADVICE!

Get in touch from anywhere if you need sound advice. We’d be happy to point you in the right direction!

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Keeping our promises and keeping you well informed at all times is part of the service!

Why us?

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