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Restoration versus new windows
We have a philosophy which means we always endeavor to restore your existing windows rather than install new ones if this is economically feasible.
When windows have been in place for decades without proper maintenance parts of the sash wear and without the right care and attention quickly become hard to live with.
Our restoration services bring many benefits including:
Many sash window installations have been made less effective because previous owners decided to seal up the top sash in an attempt to draught-proof. Sadly, many people are unaware of is that box sash windows ventilate a room most efficiently when both top and bottom sashes are open at the same time. When both sashes are open the hot air goes out of the top and cool air is sucked in through the bottom. This is why it is not a good idea to seal your top sashes permanently shut and just rely on opening the bottom sash.
When sashes are fully restored and measures taken to include proper draught-proofing outside noise is reduced and the windows become easy to operate.
When working on your windows Sash Bright take great pride in protecting your house and possessions. WE fully dust sheet everything and will encourage you to remove delicate items and articles that could be blown over at the point where large panels have been removed.
The sashes are the parts of the window that holds the glass and move up and down. There is a top sash and a bottom sash and in order to work on the window, these sashes have to be removed. To do this the staff bead and the parting bead are removed.
The beads are the small strips of wood that run from top to bottom and create the track that the sashes run up and down in
Over time the joints on the sashes become loose. If this is the case we tighten them up. This can involve cutting and fitting new wedges. If the glass is broken or cracked we replace it. Often we will remove excessive layers of paint, particularly on top sashes. Over the years layer after layer of paint makes the sash too big to slide up and down freely. At this point, any broken glass is replaced and putty added to ensure all glass is securely fixed in place.
The sill is checked for soft or rotten areas and either fully or partially replaced as required. Sometimes this is only a small area which can be cut and filled, on other occasions larger parts or the entire sill may need replacing.
The sill is checked for soft or rotten areas and either fully or partially replaced as required. Sometimes this is only a small area which can be cut and filled, on other occasions larger parts or the entire sill may need replacing.
As its name suggests it is just a hollow box. It contains the weights that are attached to the sash by means of the sash cord. If there has been rot found in the sill then there is often rot where the box meets the sill. Any rot found in the box is cut out and new timber is used to make a repair. It is also often necessary to remove excess paint from the box to allow the sashes to run freely.
In order for the windows to be counter-balanced correctly the weight attached to each sash should match that of the window. In some cases we find that the incorrect weight for the window is fitted (perhaps because different glass has been fitted at some point). Incorrect weights can cause the windows to run unevenly or to slip when opened.
The pulleys are cleaned and oiled. If they do not operate smoothly then we will replace them with new ones.
We always fit new ropes when refurbishing a window and ensure that no paint gets on the ropes (which can make them brittle and prone to breakage).
A draught-proof brush pile is cut and fixed into the back of the meeting rail on the bottom sash using a router. This helps to prevent rattling and stops unwanted draughts blowing through the center of the window.
New timber beads are made to the same profile as the original beads and fitted. If you are having the windows draught-proofed then the beads carry a brush pile that is set into them and sits between the sashes and the beads.
If your window furniture is old and tatty you may wish to consider replacing it. We can replace broken fixings with new brass or chrome centre catches, sash lifts on the bottom sash and D handle on the top sash as required.
We are able to fit a range of attractive fittings that will provide additional security protection that securely lock the window open enough to provide ventilation, but that do not allow an intruder access, or indeed small children or pets to escape.
Specialists in the maintenance, repair, manufacture, and installation of traditional timber sash windows.