Sash replacement - historic windows

9 years ago

I have a home built in 1903/1904 that the previous owner had vinyl replacement windows installed in in the early 1990s. They're awful and were cheap units to begin with. I have started to look into replacement of the units, but I have a small window in my office (30x32) that doesn't match any of the windows in the house and is much smaller than the opening and was made to fit. Long story short, the window is mostly frame and doesn't let much light in the room. I removed the window to see how it was installed and the installer didn't do any damage to the original window frame. They just cut the sash cords and removed the parting bead and installed the vinyl window. I have looked into 'Sash packs' that have a new rail system and a tilting low-e sash system, as a replacement, but the ones I looked at were more costly than a new, high quality window unit. Does anyone have a source or suggestion for solutions? Does anyone still make wood sash that I could use to replace what's missing? It's a shame the original sash are long gone. Thanks.

Featured Answer

klem1

9 years ago

Ok,let me put it this way. All those companies building wood windows manufacture an upper sash and a lower sash to go into their window units. Most are conducive to special orders for parts,sashes included. I don't have a list of window mfgrs in your area and I'm too busy to compile one. However here's the name of a world wide distributor that has dealers in most major markets. Andersen Windows and Doors. Check your local yellow pages. Any well equipped and staffed cabinet shop can and will build anything you draw a picture of. Does that address your need?

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Comments (9)

klem1
9 years ago
"Does anyone still make wood sash that I could use to replace what's missing?"

Yes,lots of manufactures still make wood windows.
Debbie Downer
9 years ago
OP do you mean getting only sash and rebuilding the pulley system for that one window? I had to find local carpenter type who could rebuild them for one of my windows - wasnt cheap, but certainly reasonable considering the work involved. He specialized in making old house parts.
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bnpelletier
Original Author
9 years ago
Right. Thanks. klem1, I wasn't asking if manufacturers still made wood windows. I know they do. I was asking if there were known companies that made wood sash. I can easily just reinstall the pullies, re-attach the weights and have nearly restored the orginal windows, which would be preferable to replacing the windows. I was wondering if there was a source for wood sash that was widely available and if so, could those names/sources be passed along. If I struck out with initial steps, my next step would be to contact a local custom millworks here in RI/MA to make something from scratch. Thanks current resident, I might just have to have a couple sash made from cedar or mahogany.
rwiegand
9 years ago
There are a number of companies in the Boston area specializing in refurbishing old wooden windows if you want someone to do the whole job. They can almost certainly do what you need. Google "wooden window restoration boston"

Any custom millwork shop should be able to make new sashes for you.
DYH
8 years ago
I have a 1939 Colonial and since my windows aren't a standard "stock" size, I had custom wood sashes made for all windows during my renovation. I'm sure you can find a local company, as I did.
PRO
Sombreuil
8 years ago
In my area there is a millwork shop with the old machines and know-how to make new wood sash the old way, and the best part is they are dirt cheap. They use spanish cedar and mahogany, cost for a pair of DH sash 29x48 was about $125 unglazed.

Casey
sacto_diane
8 years ago
Where are you located? With a location we can suggest an appropriate sash maker. As others have mentioned there are numerous companies that still make sashes. Some good and some bad.
bnpelletier
Original Author
8 years ago
Tiverton, RI, about 60 miles south of Boston.