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Lower sash closes, then opens back up

Louis Bordonaro

6 years ago

I'm repairing windows in the upstairs of my house, which was an apartment and we're converting back to a single. The house was built ~1880 and has mostly wood windows. I believe they have been repaired/reworked in the recent past by the previous owner.

One window had the sash rope and weights separated. So I removed the stops, removed the pocket covers, located the weights and re-connected to the sash ropes.
I checked for proper operation and the window stays open, moves easily and seems to be functioning OK. Problem is when I close the window all the way it slowly opens up approximately 2 inches.

I thought there was an issue with the rope, so I replaced it. Still have the problem. I don't think it's an issue with the length of the rope. Could it be the size I used? I think it's a bit smaller than what had been there. I haven't put the trim back up, but I don't think there's that much contact/friction to keep it in the closed position. Could it be the weights are too heavy? Or if windows were reworked maybe the glass was changed and isn't the correct weight?

I'm readying Terry Meany's "Working Windows" but haven't found an answer in it yet.
Thanks.

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Comments (5)

PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Length and thickness of the rope, as well as variances in the amount of friction or other changes over the past 140 years assuming that those weights are original. Do the windows have locks? If they creep up just 2", it probably isn't a huge struggle to lock them closed if that is the position that you desire... My first thought and concern in all honesty, is how much air those things must leak if the fitment is loose enough to come up like that. Perhaps you have a great storm window fitted?
Louis Bordonaro thanked HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
+1 to HomeSealed. I would guess there is little to no tension in the sash interface with the window opening and therefore nothing to keep it working against the lifting force of the weights.
Louis Bordonaro thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
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PRO
toddinmn
6 years ago
You could push the window stop up a little tighter to the sash to create a little more friction or shim the jamb with a thin piece of wood.
Louis Bordonaro thanked toddinmn
Louis Bordonaro
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks, I'll try those suggestions. I haven't put the trim back on because I didn't think that could bear that much tension to keep the sash in place so I didn't want to bother and have to take it back off. Like I said, the rope was slightly thinner so perhaps that could be the difference also. I could just put locks on them and be done with it, but I figured as long as I'm working on it just fix it correctly.

Regarding the fit and draft, I guess I'll see this winter. The house was abandoned and run down when the previous owner bought it. And I believe he had all the windows and storms reworked. I had to find the old listing to jog my memory but I think I also have some receipts from the company that did the work.

"Allentown, Days Park, total renovation in 2006, all brick wrap around
porch, windows reworked with new storms and screens, original plaster
moldings restored, nice size yard with grape arbor, 3 car garage
accessed from Malta Alley"

Thanks for the replies and help.
Ron Mexico
6 years ago
If terry meany doesn't know, then God help us all!!!

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