Six Sigma Blogs

Did you know there are modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows? The windows are not being constructed with methods that are friendly to the environment. The newest construction methods, for one, do not include lead stabilizers. This is great news.

This is good for the environment and for people also. Did you know that a lot of building materials used to be made with materials that are now considered dangerous? Paint used to contain lead. Many children were permanently disabled because they ate paint chips that contained lead.

Asbestos was a major source of insulation material but was found to cause respiratory disease. Sash windows were constructed with led based plastics, which can lead to environmental hazards as well as human health risks. The lead used in the plastic stabilizer releases dust into the air as it ages over the years.

The lead then can be inhaled. People also can transfer this harmful material because they unknowingly touch the lead and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. Today, however, there are many sash window companies that are using calcium organic stabilizers which offer the same benefits as lead based products, but without the health or environment risks.

Many sash window makers also use recycled materials to build their products. This means that a lot of dangerous material no longer ends up in the landfill. Our landfills are rapidly filling to capacity. The less that goes into them, the better. Let us save the landfills.

The sash windows of today are also energy efficient compared to the windows of the past. No one seemed to care about energy efficiency in the past. But now, it is a primary concern because energy bills have risen a lot in the past decade. Everyone wants to save on his or her energy bill.

You might even qualify for government assistance if you are planning to refit your home with energy saving sash windows. You might be able to get a no interest loan from the government because they are promoting energy efficient homes. Call your local government office about this program. You might be surprised with some good news.

There are still a lot of people who like sash windows more than any other type of window. These windows have a beauty that is very unique. And the windows are safe for humans and the environment today.

The popularity of sash windows London area has not dwindled over the years since they were first used. Sash window companies continue to create designs that operate efficiently and look great.

How to replace a sash cord is a lot easier when you understand the mechanics of a double hung window. Every double hung window has two sashes, the top and the bottom. The frame that secures the glass is a sash. The sides of that frame are the jambs. Sash weights sit in back of the jambs. They are connected to a cord pulley system. The weights keep the windows balanced and easy to open.

Stops or wood moldings attached to the jambs create grooves that a sash window uses to slide. In order to remove the frame you need to pry the parting stop and the inside stop from the jambs.

Before you start this project, make sure you have the correct tools and material readily available. You will need new sash cord, a putty knife, a hammer, a utility knife, putty, finishing nails, paintbrushes and in case you chip away the paint, enough paint to touch it up.

To gain access to the cord you need to remove the inside window stop from the sides of the frame. Position the putty knife at each nail holding the stop in place and slowly move it back and forth until you are able to pry the stop off. Be careful not to split the wood.

With the stops removed, the frame should come out easily. Remove the damaged sash cord from its slot. Most sash windows have an access panel to get to the weight. The access panel will need to be removed; if there no access panel then the side window casing has to be taken out to get to the weight.

Sometimes these panels have layers of paint on them, you will need to chip the paint away to locate the screws that are keeping the panel secure. Once the panel is out, cut off any remaining cord. Feed the new sash cord over the pulley and down into the cavity that holds the weight until you can see it in the access panel. The new cord should be tied to the weight with a strong knot but not too bulky as it can bind in the window frame. Put the weight back in the cavity and put a knot in the other end of the cord allowing the weight to hang three inches above the windowsill when the window is in a fully raised position.

Replace the framework and insert the moldings using finishing nails to secure them. Fill any gaps in the moldings with the putty. Paint any chips in the wood. The project is complete and your double hung window should work like new. Do-it-yourself homeowners can learn how to replace a sash cord by following steps found on the Internet or talking with professionals at our local hardware store.

Those who renovate or restore historic buildings have long acknowledged the convenience and efficiency of s sash window restoration company nearby. Where sash window repairs London are a part of your home repair needs, visit our location.