Double-hung windows can be refurbished
Q. My house has old double-hung wood windows. I cannot afford to replace them and I like the way they look. How can I improve them so they open and close easier and leak less outdoor air?
A. Old double-hung wood windows do wear out over time and may not seal well. Back when they were originally installed, energy efficiency was not an issue, so they probably were not designed to be airtight even when they were new.
Even if people have enough money to invest in replacement windows, they often choose to just repair their old wood windows. Although this is not as energy efficient as installing new high-tech replacement windows, it retains the historical character of the house. For more efficiency, install magnetic interior storm windows to create a dead air space.
The first step to improving the old wood windows is to carefully inspect them. Note where they have weatherstripping to seal between adjacent parts. Also note where outdoor air leaks in now and how tight the sashes are in the frames. More modern and efficient weatherstripping can be added without impacting the exterior appearance of the windows.
The old window sashes are easy to remove. Pry the interior stop off the window frame. This allows the lower sash to be removed from the window frame. Next pry off the parting bead to free the upper sash. This narrow bead will likely break into several pieces, so plan to clean out its groove and to replace it during reassembly.
Since you mentioned the windows do not open easily, the ropes to the sash counterbalance weights inside the frame pockets are probably broken. There should be two weights on each side. If the ropes are broken, find the access panel on the lower part of the casing. Remove it to find and remove the weights.
Install new weatherstripping on the sashes so they seal well against each other and the frame. A vinyl tube type seal works well at the bottom of the lower sash and top of the upper sash. You may have to rout a narrow groove in the wood to install them. A metal spring strip seals well between the sashes. Resource Conservation Technology (www.conservationtechnology.com) has an excellent selection of weatherstripping materials.
Check the condition of the counterweight pulleys at the top of the frame. It might be wise to replace them with new ones that have nylon bushings. Lubricate them well with a spray lubricant. Attach new ropes to the weights and tack the end of the rope in place before connecting them to the sashes.
If the weights were missing or you prefer to insulate the weight cavities for better wall insulation, installing a spring-loaded counterweight balance is an option. It is small and fits into the weight pocket. Insulation can be sprayed in around it. A thin tape is attached to sashes to support them.
Before you install the sashes back into their channels and reattach the stops, sand any mating wood surfaces smooth to reduce sliding friction. Prime these wood surfaces and finish coat them with high-gloss exterior enamel for a slick surface. Spraying on a light coating of carbon powder also reduces friction. Install the sashes and fix them in place with the stops.
Ms. Builder's column appears Sundays in Homes Plus. Send questions to Ms. Builder, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.msbuilder.com.
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