Window pocket not exposed

9 years ago

We're going to replace the sash cords the lower window in our bedroom window. It's a 1912 bungalow. As you can see, the wall is plastered shut on the right side. I'm wondering why the builders did this, and also if it's advisable for us just to break the plaster and the lath to make a space?

Or perhaps we can do it through the the bit of exposed area at the top?

we've replaced one windows sash cords in the living room. There were pockets under the casing/jamb (sorry, I can't member what those pieces of trim are called) but we never could get them open ( it's like they were dried shut ) so we had to take off the side casing.

Thanks guys!

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Comments (4)

User
9 years ago
The pockets are usually accessed from the sash side. Raise the lower sash and look for the outline at near the side bottom. It would help to remove any paint. Often the pocket is not cut completely through so whoever changes the cord first gets to finish that cut. I would go through the wood, easier to repair, than through plaster. Good for you saving those windows!
Celia Lin thanked User
Celia Lin
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, Raye!

We tried and tried for days to cut open the pockets on the other window we replaced the sash cord on, but it wouldn't budge. The piece and the whole we're not fitting anymore, almost as if it had expanded or was concave/convex to the hole.

I can certainly try to open them now in this different window. It's a north facing window, so perhaps the wood will have a different, more pliable, quality.

If I can't get the pockets open, i'm going to have to cut the plaster and lath just to get the weight out!
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Celia Lin
Original Author
9 years ago
Seeing that the left side of the plaster and lath has been broken open and the right side has not makes me wonder if the left sash cord has been replaced by previous owners and they either couldn't open the pocket or didn't open the pocket.

If that is true, then the right side sash cord was either never replaced or replaced through the pocket.

I'll never know. But if it were true I wouldn't feel so defeated about not being able to get the pockets open (if that was indeed why they went for breaking the plaster).
sacto_diane
9 years ago
I don't see any issue in removing some of the plaster that is under the trim to access the weight pocket. I've restored almost 25 windows in my house and none of them had the traditional sash weight access panels in the sash channel as described above. I had to remove the vertical trim to access the weight pockets. All of the weight pockets were like the one on the left side of your picture. Removing the trim made it easier to access the ropes, etc. and also facilitated the woodwork restoration. It may be a case that the plasterer just covered the weight pocket when doing the rough coats of plaster prior to the installation of the trim. While the trim is off you can also try and tighten the weight pocket from air infiltration for the exterior if warranted. Also do any plaster repair around the trim was if needed prior to reinstalling the trim.
Celia Lin thanked sacto_diane