Through the cooking glass

Sash window - as good as new

Let’s talk windows. Not any old windows – oh no, we’re talking about classic Victorian sash windows. The kind found throughout the length of Britain, but oddly rare in Australia, where few survive. Which might explain why people don’t seem to know how to look after them – they are a masterpiece of carpentry, and where the glazed panels are opened by sliding vertically in separate grooves in the side jambs, with cast iron counter-weights concealed within the window frame. They were created in 1670 by the English scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke, to avoid the problem of casement windows blocking narrow alleyways, and are so common back in the home country as to not be worthy of another look. Most people know how to repair a sash window.
Except in Australia, where they are so rare as to be individually listed. Alas, due to their rarity, it’s hard to get the bits to put them back into working orders, and sure enough, the ones I’ve got had the sash cord broken, the top sash nailed firmly shut, and so much rattle in the catch that the vibration of passing lorries had broken one of the panes. Mind you for some of the windows at the back the builders just gave up, raising restoration to new depths, and put springs in instead of the sash cords, so I should be grateful the weights are still there at all.

Before - with frame removed

I tried popping down to Bunnings for some sash cord – standard DIY supplies I thought – and the guys there tried to sell me washing line instead. I eventually ran some to earth in a renovation centre.

But I need those windows working – particularly the top sash. It’s designed to let hot air out of the top, and cool air in at the bottom. After a week where it’s topped 40 degrees every day, and not dropped below 27 at night, ventilation is essential. I’m slowly cooking. After a week, huddling, looking through the glass, if it gets any hotter I’ll have to let her indoors back in.

So – here’s the quick guide to getting your sashes back in sliding order, or How to Repair Sash Windows, and polish these puppies up.

Sanding down 150 years of muddy paint

Rip off the window frame exposing the sash weight boxes. Take off the sash edging strip, which allows you to slide the window out. Reattach sash cord to weight at one end, and window at the other, looping over the pulley. Oil pulley (you can’t do this when it’s been reassembled). Reassembly is a reversal of removal. Remove sashes. Sand window. Fill holes where some pillock has put little hooks on the windows for net curtains (why?) paint. Put catch back on. Enjoy. Do it right, and you’ll be sure you don't build yourselves a bag of worms.

Now repeat for all the windows in the house. As much fun as shooting monkeys in a barrel.