Re: Need advice on drafty wood windows

"Greg DeBacker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "Don Gross" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> > I have a 'sunroom' that has double hung single pane glass.  This room is
on
> > the North side of the house (odd for a sunroom) and is always cold in
the
> > winter, especially when it is windy.
> >
> > A contractor has given me a bid to replace the 10 windows with totally
new
> > units, however I can get a 'sash replacement' system from the local home
> > improvement store for about 6o % of the contractor bid cost.  According
to
> > the manufacturer this replacement system can be installed by a
reasonably
> > skilled homeowner in about 20 minutes per window, and all of the work
can be
> > done from the inside.  If the manufacturers marketing information is to
be
> > believed, installing the replacements would amount to less than 4 hours
of
> > my effort with a savings of more than $1000.
> >
> > I have also considered putting up storm windows, but I would like to do
> > something with all of the windows in the house, and am not crazy about
> > climbing around on a ladder to do that job.
> >
> > My question is does has anyone had experience with a 'sash replacement'
> > system such as this, and are you happy with the results?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > Don
>
>
> I've never done this work but I've heard from plenty who have. Forget
> the 20 minutes per window working time. You can also forget most of
> what the manufacturer tells you. They want you to buy their windows.
> The wood sash windows can be made weather proof for much less cost and
> work than sash replacments or new windows. If I were you I would head
> over to the Old House Journal web site
> (http://216.25.63.4/talk/index.shtml) and search on 'windows'. There
> have been dozens of threads on window repair vs. replacement. You'll
> be an expert by the time you finish reading everything there.
>
> There is also http://www.windowrepair.com/index.html
>
> Greg

What kind of sash replacement windows are you looking at? Are they the kind
where you take out the old sashes and install a new side track and then
install the new double hung sashes in the new tracks or are they one piece
single hung windows that fit in the exissting frame once the sashes are
removed? I have installed both types (I had been in construction for 20 yrs)
and the my advise would be go with the latter. Unless the old frames are
dead square(and 99% in old houses are not) the first type is a pain to get
them to fit right. Sometimes they end up being worse than what they are
replacing.
As far as installing storm windows you still have the problem of air leakage
on the old prime windows. Not to mention the fact that the old prime windows
are just plain worn out. Sure you can try and fix them but it is a lot like
trying to make a silk purse out of sows ear.
The best solution is to replace the sashes with new vinyl single hung
windows made to fit the openings. You will want to measure the openings very
carefully and Order the new windows about 1\4 inch smaller in width and
height. Just be sure the thickness of the new windows is the same as the
total of both the old sashes.
If you have never done this before figure about 2 hrs for the first couple
of windows. Now for taking out the old and installing the new. First of all
you will have to remove the inside trim mouldings that seal the inside of
the old sashes. For this I recomend buying a 5 in 1 painters scraper. It
looks like a wide chisel with a kind of a point on one end. Carefuly remove
the old inside trim against the old sashes. You will need it to put it back
up once the new windows are installed. The inside sash will now come out.
Pull the sash towards you and cut the ropes on both sides that are attached
to the weights. Set the sash aside. Now looking at the outside sash you will
note a small piece of wood holding it in place on the sides and the top.
This is called a parting strip. There is a channel in the frame that this
fits in to. Pry all of the parting strips out of the frames. Now the outer
sash will come out like the inner one did. At this point you will notice
that there are a double set of pulley wheels in the upper part of the frame
on both side that the old sask ropes went through and were attached to the
weights. I have found it easiest to just hammer them flush with the frame.
One other item you will need to order with your windows is a filler stip for
the sill. The sills are angled and the bottom of the nsw windows are
straight. This will create a gap at the bottom of the windows on the
outside. Fisrt of all install the filler strip on the sill. After this is
done cut the outer window stop about 8 inches from the bottom and very
carefully remove it. you will need to put it back after you have installed
the new windows. Now take the new window and remove the screen and the
bottom sash. Lift window into the opening and put it in bottom first. Then
push the top untill window is upright and against the outer stops. Install
the bottom sash and lock in place. Caulk around the window and reinstall the
old inside trim. Open the window and put the pieces of the outside stops
back in place. The job is done except paint touchup and you never had to
leave the inside of your house. I hope this helps you.