How to Repair the Weight and Rope Mechanism in Old Fashioned Wood Framed Windows
- Tools and Materials, and Some Safety Notes. The first thing you will need is sash cord. ...
- Open the Access Panel. First, pry off the stop moldings (these are the ones along the front edge that form the front of the groove that the window ...
- Yuck. Take the Weight Out of the Window Pocket. ...
- Put in the New Cord. ...
- Tie on the Weights. ...
- Do It All in Reverse.
Full Answer
How do you restore a sash window?
8 Steps for Restoring Sash Windows. 1 1. Look for a knockout panel. If a window is basically in good shape, needing only to have weights re-hung, Pam looks for a knockout panel (also ... 2 2. Remove trim, stops, and sash. 3 3. Assess the frame. 4 4. Clean up. 5 5. Replace damaged or missing glass and glazing compound. More items
What happened to the weights in an old window frame?
Weights are often missing from old sash-window frames—some were salvaged for early 20th-century war efforts, while others simply may have slid down inside the wall. Pam likens her pursuit of replacement weights to horse trading—eventually, she finds combinations that work, adding washers or nuts to get the balance right.
How do you fix a hole in a window frame?
Pam nestles sash rope into an existing hole, then hammers it in place. The length of the rope fits into a routed channel along the sash. Weights are often missing from old sash-window frames—some were salvaged for early 20th-century war efforts, while others simply may have slid down inside the wall.
How do I restore a broken window?
Pam begins the window restoration by removing nails and screws and carefully prying off trim and stops. The trim and interior stops come off first—hopefully intact. Pam uses a box cutter to cut through any paint and caulk, then begins prying trim from the frame using a 5-in-1 painter’s tool, which she likes because of its narrow dimensions.
How do I replace old windows with weights?
1:296:10How to Replace Window Sash Cords - Sash Weight to Cord - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a weight onto the hardware store and I bought some sash rope. And what I'm going to do is justMoreIt's a weight onto the hardware store and I bought some sash rope. And what I'm going to do is just feed it down over this roller. And I'm going to feed it down. Until it reaches this hole.
How do you reattach window weights?
3:025:31How to Repair Damaged Window Sash Cords | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUp almost to the top and back it down just a little bit. So now i push the rope in the dado. And iMoreUp almost to the top and back it down just a little bit. So now i push the rope in the dado. And i line it up at the bottom of the hole. And that's where i will tie my knot.
How can I fix my old windows instead of replacing them?
7:1312:56Window Restoration from Start to Finish | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUh pretty much what we do is we epoxy all the uh imperfections. And once the epoxy is dried then weMoreUh pretty much what we do is we epoxy all the uh imperfections. And once the epoxy is dried then we stand it smooth.
How do old windows with weights work?
0:013:15How Do Window Weights Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo basically there's a roller. Right here let these roll on and these are just a counterweight. SoMoreSo basically there's a roller. Right here let these roll on and these are just a counterweight. So when pull the window up the weight goes down and holds the sash up. And it makes it nice and easy.
Are old window weights lead?
Traditional sash windows are balanced by sash weights which hang in the boxes at the side of the window. Traditionally the weights were made out of lead but in the Victorian era cast iron became a more popular choice as it was easier to get hold of and cheaper.
How do you fix a dropped window?
1:062:06How to Fix Dropping Windows & Windows That Won't Stay OpenYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition move your window down to that point. And again reopen. Get your hand balanced into theMorePosition move your window down to that point. And again reopen. Get your hand balanced into the middle. Give it a nice pop on the sides. To have that tilt pin engage with the balance. Shoe.
How do you restore a 100 year old window?
Restoring your home's original sash windows is easier than it seems....8 Steps for Restoring Sash WindowsLook for a knockout panel. ... Remove trim, stops, and sash. ... Assess the frame. ... Clean up. ... Replace damaged or missing glass and glazing compound. ... Stain or paint. ... Address pulleys and ropes. ... Put it all back together.
How do you replace 100 year old windows?
1:525:02Renovating 100-Year-Old House: Old “Looking” New Windows - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe great thing is that we are now going to use remodel windows vinyl windows and insert them intoMoreThe great thing is that we are now going to use remodel windows vinyl windows and insert them into our homemade frames. And they look as close as we can get them to the original.
How do you repair an old wooden window frame?
0:351:44Restoring Window Frames - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I use Abbott ron's liquid wood two-part epoxy put the primer on here. And then use the woodMoreSo I use Abbott ron's liquid wood two-part epoxy put the primer on here. And then use the wood filler here the wood epochs. Two parts everything's mixed fifty-fifty. And it's easy to apply.
What are windows with weights called?
Double-hung windows are machines Windows operated by weight and chain, or sometimes called weight and pulley, have a chain (or cotton cord) that connects the sash to a weight that is concealed in the wall next to the window.
What was the purpose of window weights?
Window weights are common in double-hung windows. Window weights are lead weights that counterbalance the weight of a window sash - the movable part of the window - in older houses.
How do you balance sash window weights?
0:502:20How Much Lead Do You Require To Balance Your Sash Window?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut your cord through the lead tie a double knot at the. End your next step is connect the cord toMorePut your cord through the lead tie a double knot at the. End your next step is connect the cord to the sash. So you put your cord right down your wife can pan up in it or use a ready seals core.
How do you fix sash window weights?
7:4715:44Replace Sash Cords on Wooden WindowsTutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem. So what you want to do is you want to take a piece of tape i happen to have clear tape butMoreSystem. So what you want to do is you want to take a piece of tape i happen to have clear tape but you can use any tape. And you want to wrap it around that in very tight tight like a shoelace.
How do you replace spring balance sash weights?
1:417:10How to Replace a Window Sash Spring Balancer | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI can simply remove this lower half of the side jam by flexing it or bending it out of the open.MoreI can simply remove this lower half of the side jam by flexing it or bending it out of the open. Okay now I need to lower the window. So I can pull it out of the open. With the bottom sash removed.
How do you fix a wood window that won't stay up?
How to Fix a Window That Won't Stay UpTilt the window sash inward to roughly a 90-degree position.The sash should now release from the jambs.At the bottom of each side of the sash, you will see the pivot bars.Inspect both pivot bars for wear, damage, or twisting.If you find damage on a pivot bar, remove the part.More items...
How do you balance sash window weights?
0:502:20How Much Lead Do You Require To Balance Your Sash Window?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut your cord through the lead tie a double knot at the. End your next step is connect the cord toMorePut your cord through the lead tie a double knot at the. End your next step is connect the cord to the sash. So you put your cord right down your wife can pan up in it or use a ready seals core.
Does Daniel measure the frame of a window?
DANIEL: Yeah. He told me to measure the frame – not the window, not the part of the window that moves – but he said the frame itself.
Do you have to tear up siding?
You don’t have to tear up any siding or anything like that. You basically just take apart the operable sashes and slip the new replacement windows inside, which you can do because all replacement windows are basically built to fit. That’s the way the technology is designed to work.
Do you need to be careful when measuring windows?
You need to be really careful in the measuring, though. And I would have the company that you’re buying the windows from do the measuring to make sure you get it right. But not to worry about the weights. Not a big deal.
Did Daniel come out and look at the windows?
DANIEL: And it’s funny you mention that. He actually did come out and look at them and he told me that he wouldn’t be able to give me the measurements to get the windows myself. Because when he – they order them, the guys that install them have to do any work that’s needed to make them fit properly, because he just takes a rough measurement.
How does Pam begin window restoration?
Pam begins the window restoration by removing nails and screws and carefully prying off trim and stops.
How to secure glass in a sash?
To secure the glass in the sash, Pam loads a caulk-style gun with glazing compound. First, she runs a small bead in the channel, using that to secure the glass without pins or glazier’s points. Then she applies external glazing with the gun, running it along the edge where wood and glass meet.
How big is a window knockout panel?
If a window is basically in good shape, needing only to have weights re-hung, Pam looks for a knockout panel (also called a pocket cover), a rectangle scored in the side of the frame that’s typically around 2″ wide and 6″ to 8″ tall —just big enough to pass a weight through.
Can you use lighter weight cord on smaller windows?
Purpose-made products labeled as “sash cord” are available, and, as a rule, lighter-weight cord can be used for smaller windows. Once both sashes are in place, Pam checks the rope again and adjusts as necessary before replacing the interior stops and trim. 8.
Can lead based paint be used on windows?
If your house was built before 1980, there’s a good chance your windows could contain lead-based paint. Always take the following safety precautions when working with painted windows:
Can you paint sash trim?
Getting the right match can be tricky, so sometimes she’ll add a touch of paint with the same type of base as the stain to attain the correct color. A final coat of polyurethane follows the stain to protect the wood. (If the sash and trim are painted, though, no topcoat is necessary.) Exterior sash faces should always be painted for the best weather protection.
How to put weight on windowsill?
Take the end of the cord and thread it through the hole in the weight. You should have enough slack to do this pretty easily, but not so much that the weight can lie on the windowsill while you work. I propped the weight up in the outer slide channel and that worked fine.
What happens if a window sash is damaged?
Glass safety: If your sash has really damaged putty (the stuff on the outside of the window holding the pane in place, it looks like caulk) that's falling off, or hardly any putty left, It's a good idea to replace that now to prevent it falling out of the sash while you move it around , or leaking heat in winter.
How to disable weight system?
Most folks disabled the weight systems by cutting or simply not replacing the ropes as they failed, and resorted to propping the windows open when needed. However, some people actually opened up the frames and removed the weights (either to insulate the window or to turn the weights in for scrap), so the weights may be gone. If they are gone from one window, they are probably gone from all of them. You can find vintage replacements on ebay (to find out the size you need, weigh the sash before you put it back, you will need two weights that are each half the total weight of the sash) or replace the weight and pulley with spring balances.
What to do if you see a light weight?
If you see a light colored, smooth weight, glove up before continuing, and it's probably also a great idea to put on a particle mask. Vacuuming: It will seem like a good time to pop a vacuum detail tip in place and clear out those cobwebs and other assorted funk.
Do you have to pull the sides of a double hung window?
If you have a much older house that doesn't have this modern convenience added to the traditional double-hung window, you'll have to pull the sides of the casing (trim) entirely to access the weight channels.
Can a sash be hung in a window?
The sash should now be hanging freely in the window, and should slide easily up and down. Re-install the stop moldings (if you pulled the trim, re-install that, too), and you're done.
Can you warp windows with vinyl?
You will get heat build up between the new vinyl and the storm and you will get warped windows. DO NOT DO IT !
Can you use cladding on a window?
You make have to use a window that is not cladded on the exterior side. Most use a cladding that can not be cut . It is very common (for me) to have to cut the window sashes to fit height.