Welcome to Sash-Style, your guide to traditional timber box sash window repair and restoration. Here, you’ll find clear and practical information on simple repair and maintenance tasks that can be carried out, such as re-cording and draught-proofing.
For jobs beyond basic maintenance, our FAQs page offers helpful sash window repair tips, or you can email us for guidance on more specific issues that aren’t covered on our website.
Common Questions
1. Where can I find a supplier for sash weights?
Locally, you could also try architectural salvage yards, lead merchants, architectural ironmongers, or even scrap merchants, as they might have some available. Another option is to check with uPVC window companies—they may have removed sash weights and could still have them on hand. Established building firms with old storage yards may also be a good bet.
2. Can you recommend an affordable company to fit seven sash windows?
The directory contains information on companies specializing in sash windows. You may also find options in the Yellow Pages under carpenters, joiners, window installers, or manufacturers. Even if they aren’t specialists, skilled joiners should be able to handle sash window installations. If you find a reliable company, please let us know!
3. One side of my window’s weight mechanism is faulty, making it hard to lower the top sash. Do I need to replace the window?
No need to replace it! Most sash windows use a simple counterweight system, where a weight hangs from a cord over a pulley. This issue often occurs due to a broken cord, a jammed weight, or, less commonly, a damaged weight. Instructions for replacing sash cords are on our site, and replacement parts, like pulleys and weights, can be found in our directory.
4. My double-glazed sash window is too heavy for the pulley system. What should I do?
You’ll need nearly double the original weight to balance the window. If the current weights are cast iron, consider switching to lead weights, which may fit in the box. Alternatively, spiral balances are an option. A DIY solution could be to fix one sash in place and double the weights on the other; this has worked successfully for others.
5. Where can I find replacement cord for my sash window?
Any quality DIY store, builders’ merchant, or ironmonger should carry sash cord. You’ll typically find two types: polypropylene and the traditional waxed cotton-covered jute. For very heavy sashes, look for a thicker, heavy-duty cord.
6. After stripping my sashes, what should I do before painting? Should I wax the areas where the sash meets the frame?
Paint all visible areas of the sash when open or closed. Start by applying a wood preservative, then use a primer and undercoat to ensure durability, finishing with a quality topcoat. A microporous paint system can also be used, as it allows moisture to escape, helping to prevent wood decay. Waxing is usually unnecessary but can prevent sticking, though it may complicate future repainting.
7. What’s the best knot to secure a sash weight to the sash cord?
The bowline knot is ideal, as it’s both secure and easy to adjust. Make the loop a snug fit to the eye of the sash weight. For certain sash weights, you can also tuck the loose end of the knot into the eye to prevent snagging inside the box.