Sash Window Maintenance in Brighton, East Sussex

Maintenance Services We Offer

As part of the maintenance, we also fit accessories such as locks, lifts and fasteners. Our experts in Southwick, Hanover, Mile Oak and Hove are always standby to inspect your windows for any signs of wear and tear. We follow conservation principles and only do what is necessary to make your windows structurally sound and functional. Some of the maintenance services we offer include:

Repairing timber decay

The service involves removing and replacing all rotted window sections, even those not immediately visible. New timber can be spliced in to replace areas of localised decay. We take pains to select compatible wood with similar qualities to the original. Severely rotten windowsills may need to be completely replaced. Sometimes, just the front part may need to be renewed.

We offer both full section replacement and centre section replacement. However, unless the rot is isolated in the centre of the windowsill, we don’t recommend a centre section replacement. This is because it is not possible to access and cut out the rot from the inner face of the window. Rot spores in this area will continue to attack any new timber replacement, making the repair redundant.

Painting

Your sash window painting must be properly maintained and kept in good condition. Sash windows are predominantly of softwoods so regular painting protects them against decay. Depending on their exposure, windows need external repainting every five years.

It must follow a particular order to avoid sealing the window shut. Part of our maintenance service includes offering professional external and internal window artwork to inhabitants of Peacehaven, Lancing, Littlehampton, Shoreham and Sompting. Professional painting will protect against the effects of weather on the outside and condensation inside.

Paint removal

If not properly applied, paint can hinder the window’s mobility and operation. Removing paint layers can cause damage to the timber, glass, putty, and surrounding masonry. The topmost layers of heavy paint build-ups are often removed effectively with chemical strippers. Paint stripping and other forms of paint removal should be reserved for professionals to avoid more substantial damage.

Draught-proofing

This is done to reduce air leakage. Up to 26% of heat is lost through poorly insulated windows. It is important to reduce leakage as far as possible. This will help increase your comfort and reduce your heating bills.

Our team of expert sash window specialists can draught-proof your windows successfully. They do this by taking your sashes out and carrying out necessary repairs. Then, they insert long-lasting brushes or other seals around all the edges of the sashes.

Replacing glazing

Our sash specialists handle replacements of glazing during maintenance checks. Only original glazing that is missing or worn out beyond repair is replaced. We ensure that the replacement glass matches the original as closely as possible. Depending on your choice, we can make use of salvaged glass or replica cylinder glass.

Replacing sash cords and seals

With time, your sash cords and braids will become worn out and require renewal. Maintenance checks will have them replaced before they break. Our team makes use of durable, low-stretch natural or synthetic yarn appropriately sized for the sash weight and pulleys. Also, old and worn out seals is noticed during maintenance and repaired or replaced.

Repairing broken ironmongery

Broken ironmongery can often be repaired. If your original ironmongery is of high quality, it is reused. If it is hidden or impeded by paint, our specialists get rid of the paint. If it is missing or beyond repair, we use reproduction fittings instead. These include extra sash locks and timber blocks.

Things You Can Do to Maintain Your Sash Windows

It is recommended that you get a sash specialist for professional maintenance of your sash windows. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your windows are in top form throughout the year. If you are a homeowner in Rottingdean, Brunswick or Portslade-by-Sea, take these necessary precautions to ensure the proper maintenance of your sash windows.

Keep your windows clean

Carefully clean your window with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth and a mild detergent or glass cleaner. Do not use paper towels as all they do is move the dirt around on the window pane while creating static on the glass. This is counterproductive as it ends up attracting more dust and dirt.

Conduct visual checks

Check your frame and window box inside and out carefully. Be on the lookout for any cracks, gaps or holes. Pay attention to cracked, chipped or peeling paintwork. Check for seal gaps , broken cords, latches or handles. Look for any evidence of rot or decay. This should be done mostly after winter before the weather gets hot so as to help you ascertain the degree of damage caused by the cold season.

Oil windows for smooth operation

Rubbing beeswax, candle wax or soap along sash edges makes opening and closing easier. Apply wax or oil to the hinges, and inside pulleys to keep them smooth. Check for any dirt, grit or paint that may be inside and clean it out before applying wax or oil.

Keep your windows safe

Install additional locks and fittings to prevent sashes opening beyond the required height. This also prevents accidental falls through the windows from inside. Child safety restrictors limit the opening distance of the window to keep you and your family safe.

Contact professionals

It is still necessary that you contact sash specialists for routine maintenance inspections and repairs. It is not advisable for you to carry out most of these repairs by yourself. In most cases, you will end up escalating the damage or miss out signs of damage entirely. Once you find a damage that should be fixed or replaced, ensure you seek the help of a specialist.