What to Remember When Repairing Double Hung Windows

Taking charge of home repairs is oftentimes practical but most of the time it is also a source of headache and stress. People often opt to do the repairs themselves but what starts out as a task aimed at saving money and time turns out to be a disaster and instead, ends up costing homeowners a fortune. Take windows for example, they’re an essential part of the home, keeping the home safe from the harsh environment outside while providing light and ventilation. Not only that, but windows are the parts of the house which are the most susceptible to every element there is out there. It is no wonder why they are also the ones which often need repairing.

There are many types of windows found in homes. However, more focus will be given on double hung window repair. Double hung windows are said to be the most commonly used type of window. This would probably due to the fact that double hung windows have perfected the combination of design and functionality. Despite that fact, double hung windows are not resistant to damage.

To be able to conduct a proper double hung window repair without any professional help, one must first understand how it works. A double hung window has two parts, also called sashes, that are able to slide up and down and which can overlap with each other slightly. Springs are often used to hold these sashes in place. In simpler terms, double hung windows are those that open due to the sliding up and down motion. The most common problem with this type of window is that the sliding part is unable to stay up for a number of reasons.

Double hung window repair is usually done for broken sash cords which are the main reason for windows not staying up when they’re supposed to. There are two types of mechanism behind this. The more common is the use of pulleys and weights which pull the cord up thus suspending it and keeping the window open. The second is through springs which anchor the cords and enables it to stay in place when the window is opened. Double hung window repair for windows with the pulley mechanism will be more difficult because the window will have to taken apart for the damage to be repaired. Springs are easier since they can be unscrewed from the window.

To repair double hung windows which are operated by pulleys, the first step would usually be to open the panel which contains the pulleys and to remove the weights. Next, inspect the pulleys and see if the cord attaching it to the whole mechanism is defective and if it needs to be replaced. Once the cord is replaced and attached to the pulley, it can then be fastened back to the weights and positioned back to the panel. Lastly, the sashes will have to be replaced before the whole window could be reassembled. Always check the other parts of the window too as they may have sustained damage during the process. Double hung window repair is easy and professional help need not be sought. What’s important is to always follow the steps, be mindful of the little details and to have an abundant supply of patience.

Author Bio: William I. Neil is an architect, providing home improvement information and business directory listing about double hung window also categories, e.g.window curtain rods

Category: Home Management
Keywords: double hung window, window, home, double hung window repair

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