Doors and Windows - old windows

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.




View Full Version : old windows


crush99
10-23-04, 03:33 PM
I live in a house that was built in 1917 and still has the old sash windows with sash weights and pulleys. Is there some kind of kit that can replace the sash weights and still have the windows operable. I have seen various systems on different home improvement shows but have not been able to find anything in the local hardware or home improvement stores. Any help in finding this would be greatly appreciated.
:confused:


lefty
10-23-04, 05:11 PM
1917 windows -- GET RID OF THEM!!!!

Replace them with single or double hungs that are energy efficient. My prejudice is vinyl, but look at the NFRC rating stickers.

SalvageCzar
10-23-04, 09:12 PM
There are still "kits" available for modernizing sash weight window systems.

There aren't as many of these types of kits available now as in the past because it makes far more ecomomic sense for a homeowner or landlord to replace these older energy-inefficent units with modern energy-efficent units that are also nearly maintenance free and will withstand the forces of weather much better.

Most of these scarce kits can be expensive and they tend to be quite time and labor intensive, and they certainly do not allow room for error as the sash must carefully measured and cut and mortised.

The more popular kits replace the sash weights and pulleys with spring loaded tensioners. The width of each window has to be cut down equally on each side, and a groove also has to be mortised on each side. Metal and spring loaded tracks have to be cut and fitted and screwed to each of the jambs, and a matching metal guide fits into each of the mortised sides of the sash.

It's a big job, and IMHO it's a no brainer to choose new units if one weighs the cost of these kits and the time and labor involved against new maintenance free energy efficent units. The old sash still has to be reputtied and repainted time and time again even after the kit is in.

New sash is the way to go. BUT if you're simply having problems with the current sash weight systems due to worn or broken parts and can't afford to replace the old windows with new ones right now there are companies that offer replacement parts; weights, pulleys, cover plates and so on. They are kisted in the following link that is also a how-to. Good luck! Czar

http://w3.gsa.gov/web/p/hptp.nsf/0/3eedbec88935953d852565c50054b30b?OpenDocument


Snoonyb
10-23-04, 10:35 PM
To just directly respond, here is a link xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
However the advice given, should be well considered. However, installing the splines, which will increase the energy efficiency is relatively easy.

NutAndBoltKing
10-24-04, 06:30 AM
This link may also offer you some help on finer replacement parts:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx