Why? What? How? Repair? Or Replace? Cost Analysis

1. Traditional Box Framed Counterbalance Double Hung Sash Windows.

(Counterbalance Systems Can be identified by cotton sash cords and pulleys (caste iron weights attached hidden in the weight box. (counterbalance)

These windows are beautifully crafted and built to last. They have been built with quality cedars and hardwoods from 1860 till approx. late 1950s:

Colonial Style

Victorian Style

Federation Style

Art Deco

Between the Wars

Californian Bungalows

All of these traditional windows can be restored or repaired to function beautifully for top and bottom windows, effortlessly sliding due to counterbalance systems.

The best double hung windows were the earliest ones, Victorian /Federation/Art Deco with pulleys, approx. 1700 mm x 850mm or anything that was designed to be taller than it is wide.

Some of the windows built in the early fifties (mostly in apartment blocks) don’t have pulleys and operate on the cord running on friction. Some of these windows are wider than they are tall which is not the best design. It was a time when things were being made more cheaply and quickly. However, a good repair to these windows will definitely be better value than replacing with cheap timber or aluminum windows.

Cost Analysis: Traditional Box Framed Double Sash Hung windows

Repair

  • Basic Standard Service Repairs (top and bottom window functioning) and beading change Approx. $590 plus GST per window (dependent on condition)

  • Draft seal Recondition and 3mm glass change (top and bottom window functioning) Approx.$890.00 plus GST (dependent on condition)

Replace

  • Install Brand New Counterbalance Box Frame Cedar Sash Window (same quality and profile as federation style) $4,500.00-$5,000 installed (we do not install new windows).

This cost analysis shows that servicing/restoring your Traditional Box Framed Counterbalance Double Hung Sash windows is a valuable /economic/environmental decision. You are restoring the heritage of the property and your community. Once repaired, windows work and function very efficiently. Very seldom are windows of this style beyond repair, due to them being built to last.

Traditional Counterbalance Double Hung Timber windows are the best windows ever made and designed. When we reached the late fifties, we started down the road of building obsolete items, i.e, things designed to break down quickly. Most larger window companies today will give you a one year guarantee.

2. Spiral Spring Balance Double Hung Windows (Timber or Aluminum)

These windows were built from the mid-fifties 60s/70s/80s/90s to the present day. (They can be identified by Plastic or metal tubes/rods at the side of the window)

All of these windows can be repaired successfully, however, they are inferior to traditional counterbalance windows.

Unlike traditional windows with counterbalance, spiral spring balance windows need to be held up by the spiral spring balances. The springs have a shorter life span of 5-7 years, 10 max.

Also, they are inferior as you need to use greater force to pull the windows up and down. They have no counterbalance system, only the spring holds them up.

The best spiral spring balance windows are red cedar with hardwood sills made in the 60s and 70s. The sashes are quite sound and once repaired will last.

The problem windows are the “Maple Windows” built in the 70s and early 80s. When the weather gets to the maple it rots in the “mortise and tenon” join. Some of these windows were made with maple sills. Maple is not a good long-term option for a windowsill.

The Western Red Cedar mass produced style from early 90s to present day (clear finish on the inside/usually carry black Witco spirals) are fairly good windows and can be successfully repaired. But I suggest you don’t paint the windows, keep them estapol clear finish as this does not choke on the beadings like white acrylic paint.

Cost Analysis: Spiral Spring Balance Double Hung Sash windows

Repair

  • Basic Standard Service Repairs (top and bottom window functioning) and beading change Approx. $690 plus GST per window (dependant on condition)

  • Draft seal Recondition and 3mm glass change (top and bottom window functioning) Approx.$990 plus GST (dependant on condition)

Replace

  • Install Brand New Spiral balance or Spring Style Cedar Window (not draft sealed) Approx. $2500.00installed (we do not install new windows)

So, you can see from this analysis that servicing/restoring your timber or aluminium Spiral Balance Windows is cost effective.