W e were raised in a turn-of-the-century Spanish-style home built by our grandfather.
A red clay-tile roof topped textured beige stuccoed walls, several archways and a column-enclosed front porch.
The house was built in 1911 and had many double-hung wood windows. A double-hung window is the type where both the top and bottom panels slide up and down. Even today, this type of window is the one most commonly discussed on our home improvement radio show.
At the time the home was built, double-hung windows were just about the most popular style in the country.
As youngsters we were often faced with repairing the operating mechanism on this type of window, which we were to discover consisted of pieces of rope, pulleys and counterbalance weights. Can you imagine anything simpler?
A rope was connected to each of the upper corners of the window, and each rope was fed onto its own pulley hidden within the window frame. The other end of each rope was connected to a steel weight affectionately referred to as the “counterbalance.”
Interestingly, the pair of counterbalance weights that operated each window was designed to offset the strength needed to raise and lower the window. And it worked.
That is, until the rope broke. That’s where we came in. For us, repairing a counterbalance mechanism usually involved nothing more than replacing rotten rope. The weights never were a problem, and the pulleys never required any work.
So many of the homes in our town had this type of window that one could go to the local hardware store and actually purchase “counterbalance rope.” We have since discovered that we could have used any good quality rope.
We have also found out that many folks aren’t aware of how simple it is to make this repair. Only a few tools are needed: a razor knife or razor tool; a small hammer; a wood chisel; and a screwdriver.
Once you have the tools you need, you will want to purchase materials: A handful of 4- or 6-penny finish nails; a tiny container of painter’s putty; and a small tube of latex caulk.
Once the window is disassembled, and before you go to the hardware store to pick up the items we’ve mentioned, you will want to determine the length and diameter of the damaged rope. You’ll need to get a couple of pieces of rope when you buy your materials.
Remember, even if only one side seems to be out of whack, you will want to repair both sides at the same time. Better yet, get four pieces of rope and do both sides of both windows in that opening. We’ve found that when we replaced the ropes on one window, it wasn’t long before we were taking things apart again to do the other window in that same opening.
Here’s how to make the repair:
First, use a razor to cut the paint between the frame and the trim that holds the window assembly in place. Use the hammer and the chisel to gently pry away the trim.
With the trim removed, simply pull the window into the room and unlatch the ropes from the recesses at the upper sides of the window. Set aside the window and use the screwdriver to remove the counterbalance cover plates from both sides of the frame. Set the cover plates and the screw aside and pull out the ropes and counterbalances.
Once you return from the store with new ropes, all you will have to do is reverse the process used to remove the window. We tied square knots to hold the counterbalances and a simple single knot at the window end.
If you decide to use nylon rope, be sure to melt the ends so they won’t fray. You can use the finish nails to reinstall the trim, and you will need the caulk and putty to disguise the nicks and dents created during the repair. A little touch-up paint and your project will look as good as new.
By the way, replacement window inserts for old-style double-hungs abound. They are the easiest to install and improve energy efficiency by tenfold. The new pair of windows (in their own frame) simply slips right into the existing frame and is held in place with a piece of wood molding.
The one big problem with old-style wooden double-hungs is that they are about the least energy efficient of all windows. Repair them for as long as is practical, but if you really want long-term comfort, replace them as soon as you can. And that’s all there is to it.
For more home improvement tips and information from James and Morris Carey, visit their Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call 800-737-2474 Saturdays from 6 to 10 a.m. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 8 a.m. every Saturday.
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