Cut the opposite side of the line. A: That noise you heard probably was a breaking spring.Antique double-hung windows used rope and steel weights to counterbalance the sashes (the … This is primarily because they're the ones with which I'm most familiar and comfortable. While I'm an equal opportunity lover of old windows, the majority of my restoration efforts are geared toward the style of windows in our home -- rope and pulley double hung sash. There are lots of them and they usually need a lot of work, but with the tutorials, tools, and supplies on this page, you can learn how to restore old windows like a pro, from a pro. Replace window sash cords when the cords fray and break; or repair sash cords if they become disconnected from the weights that give balance to the window. But just because your windows sag or won’t open, don’t give up on them. We are trying to repair the old rope and pulley windows in our house. If ropes need replacing, Pam prefers cotton over nylon, because it's more authentic and tends to stretch less over time. Tie off the bottom end of the cotton line to the old weight on each side and return the sash weight to the window pocket. There are things that you can do to eliminate the squeaking and get back to using your windows peacefully. Place the channel back on the jamb, about 1/8 in. Which, at my lovely old vintage house, our first spring actually living in it, mostly wasn't possible. (Plus, nylon has a greater risk of catching on an old pulley.) After the trim was removed the windows came right out after I cut the rope that the window weights were attached to. These ropes travel over a pulley and are tied onto a weight inside the wall, which helps keep a … How should we do it? Fill the screw holes with epoxy (for vinyl windows) or wood filler (for wood windows). Bob Vila Tried, ... You can replace broken sash ropes with new cotton rope or chain. Purpose-made products labeled as "sash cord" are available, and, as a rule, lighter-weight cord can be used for smaller windows. The process of fixing chains is the same as with ropes… I was putting screens into the storm windows right and left, but getting all the windows open, and keeping them that way, for real ventilation, was a nightmare. over from the mark (move the channel away from the side of the sash that’s dragging), drill 1/8-in. Everyone who owns an old house needs to know how to restore old windows. How to replace the sash rope. Window weight ropes, also known as sash cords, are common on homes with older windows. Take out the old weights and broken sash cords. Leave slack measuring about two-thirds the length of the window opening. Thanks. The wavy glass and divided-light patterns are unique to the structure and the era when it was built. To replace the sash rope you will need to remove the window sashes. It's hot. But not really hot enough for air conditioners, unless we don't open the windows. Filling the holes keeps the screws from realigning with their old locations when you reinstall the channel. Your windows are going to get gunked up over time and this can wind up creating some issues with noise. I will be replacing some of the other windows soon with plans to simply remove the windows in the same manner and fit the new double-hung triple pane vinyl windows into the opening. Some windows have chains instead of ropes and they, too, can break. Feed a cotton line down the pulley hole and into the weight pocket. How to Repair the Weight and Rope Mechanism in Old Fashioned Wood Framed Windows: Spring has sprung. Scrape the filled holes smooth before the epoxy sets. We ran out of short pieces of wood. It can definitely be jarring to listen to really squeaky windows but you don’t have to simply put up with the annoying sound. Your windows should operate as smoothly as any modern unit - and look much better. But not really hot enough for air conditioners, unless we don't open the windows. pilot holes and … Which, at my lovely old vintage house, our first spring actually living in it, mostly wasn't possible. Over the years, these ropes can dry rot and break, leaving the weight at the bottom of the weight well. Double hung windows that operate with counter weights will have sash ropes run through pullies to hold the window in the open position. Nothing gives character to an old house like original windows.