I am replacing a few double hungs and building them from scratch. Would appreciate any feedback on the question at the bottom and the construction specs.
Jambs are WR Cedar 1 by 6. I have made one modification: all the top and side jambs are laminated with 1/4″ luan plywood on the back side. I have found that a common failure for older DH jambs is splitting at the parting stop dado, which the plywood will prevent. Even older windows with full 1″ jamb stock are often split at this point, not repairable. The one downside to a full 1″ jamb is that I need to use 2 1/2″ diameter pulleys. otherwise the weights rub in the pockets, esp. at the top.
I am going to paint the jambs, since the sash will have kerf in vinyl seals and bronze spring seal, thus it will never rub paint to paint
Another variable in DH construction is whether the jambs are set into slots plowed on top of the sills, or “run by” the sills (the jamb extends to the bottom of the sill. I think run-by is better, avoiding a place for water to sit in a hole and soak into the surrounding wood. My philosophy is to channel water that gets past the primary water management system (pitch, sealant, paint) down and out through the secondary (sub sill pans).
The exterior sills are WR cedar as well, but I will be cladding the top with 20 oz copper flashing that will have a drip edge and be kerfed back into the jambs. Exterior sills, like exterior wood steps, require constant maintenance, which they never get. The copper will get a coat of paint and that will be that for 50 years.
The sash will be made of mahogany, but here is the rub: I haven’t got enough saved up. I am going to mix in some walnut, but I’m wondering if it would be a huge mistake to use some cherry as well. The best information I can find is that cherry is “moderately rot resistant”. This project is fairly expensive already, with hardware and flashings. Since the sash will be dipped in penetrating epoxy and painted, I think it will be fine.
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Greetings rooster,
Welcome to Breaktime.
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
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bump
sobriety is the root cause of dementia.