Rules For Evaluating Sash Windows When Buying A House

By Francis Caldwell


You can have a beautiful traditional look with double hung sash windows. However, their greatest disadvantage is that they have lower thermal performance as compared to modern units. It is therefore, necessary to be on the lookout for a certain aspects when you are buying a house. This will guarantee that you get a good unit that promises good airflow at the same time.

Ensure that the cords are present. Try pulling them. You should feel some weight at the end if they are in good condition. If they are not, then they need replacing. This is the advice property agents will give. This may require that you take off the closing beads and fix them again. It is not much work, but it is quite fiddly.

Try opening the unit to see if it will hold up. It is slips down, then you should know that it has been re-glazed at some point with a thicker glass than the first one was. It is always advisable to keep to the original weight during home improvement to counterbalance the window. This should be noted anytime one is carrying out repairs.

Ensure that you look for any marks of condensation. This condition is commonly seen in the single-glazed units. It is important to correct these problems early to prevent the compression from advancing. This is because any looseness will cause cold or water to go through and this will decrease the effectiveness of the unit.

Ensure the ironmongery is all present. You should test the unit if it is free running and has not been painted while shut. Poor maintenance may cause wooden windows to get loose and interfere with the catches. Be sure that they have not been adjusted using cardboard, lolly sticks, or any other solutions.

Check out the sills, the painting and the frame. You will be in a position notice deterioration caused by poor maintenance. You can insert a key or a screwdriver inside the wood. If it comes out with wet rot, then you will have to cut it out and replace it. Look for the metal L brackets on its boundaries and for any timber pieces that were scarfed in.

Confirm if the glazing is beyond 600 mm. These days, there are safety standards and the glass can be hardened as well. It is advisable for you to either substitute the pane with a new one or add fall protection on the house. You can modify the requirements depending on your tastes and needs.

Check for cracks. It is necessary for any breakage to be repaired before you buy the house. Do not take anything for granted because you may have to use a lot of money later on for maintenance. Remember that such upkeep will also entail DIY decorating for the external parts. This may not be easy on old units.

Repairing sash windows can be quite expensive. This requires one to put aside enough funds. Therefore, it is advisable to check all details and ensure that everything is in place and operational before making the purchase.




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