Have recently begun the restoration / modernization of our Craftsman style bungalow built in 1923. The two story house has double hung windows, single lite bottom sashes with 3, 4, or 5 vertically divided lites in the upper sash depending upon the window size. Both upper and lower sashes operate utilizing the traditional sash cord, pulley, and weight system.
The lower sash is easily extricated from the frame for repair with the removal of the stops. The removal of the upper sash from the frame has me confused. The windows parting stops don’t seem to be removable with the upper sash in place as the profile of the bottom rail of the upper sash frame extends approximately 1/2 of the depth of the side face of the parting strips. Consequently, it appears as if the only way to remove the upper sash for repair is to literally remove the entire exterior trim of the window from the exterior of the house. On its face, this solution seems so cumbersome that I have come to believe that it can’t be the best one.
If anyone can help I would genuinely appreciate it.
P.S. The other issue we are facing is the replacement of some of the white oak finished flooring on the first floor. Very traditionally, it is white oak tongue and groove strips 3/8″ thick by 1 1/2″ wide by various lengths, although the overwhelming majority of pieces exceed 12′. So far I have been stymied in locating a single source of this type of flooring. Any help would be welcomed.
Replies
The center parting bead is grooved into the jamb. You lower the upper sash and pull out on the bead as you pull up to clear the notch in the upper sash. Most of the older windows are painted in place and the parting strip is stuck due to the paint. Sometimes you just have to break it and replace with new.
You may want to check some architectural salvage yards for old or reclaimed flooring. If you only need a few patch pieces, you could probably make something that will work.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
There is a parting bead that fits in a dado that holds the upper sash from tilting in.Remove this bead and pull the sash out. Put a nail thru the chain at the top of the pulley on each side. This makes removing the nail or screw at the sash bottom easier, also keeps the weight from falling and pulling the chain into the pocket. You probably will destroy the parting bead if it is paint stuck or even nailed. Easily replaceable, if a lumber yard doesn't carry it you can make it.The bead is just a narrow board with the edges rounded over.Sometimes I bore a hole in the parting bead to facillitate prying the bead out with a large screwdriver. Most of the time a putty knife and thin prybar will remove it.
mike