I was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction… I’m starting to restore my old double-hung windows and among other things, I’m adding spring bronze weather-stripping. My question is this: Where do I put it? The meeting rail is self-explanatory, I think, but I’m wondering about the sides… does it go on the sashes or on the jambs? And do I run a strip on the bottom of the lower sash to meet the sill?
Also, any other advice regarding restoring old windows (what I’m doing is getting the windows moving again, reglazing as req’d, replacing some hardware, etc.) is welcome too!
Thanks.
Replies
marnold,
I am not a fan of spring bronze. I like the products from Resource Conservation Technology much better. They don't seem to have a web site but phone is 410-366-1146. Cool catalog. Ad in FHB.
KK
For the sides the spring bronze goes on the jamb. If the infiltration is particularly bad (or you do not have triple tracks for historical purposes), then the product mentioned above is worth the investment.
...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll call for the catalog today.
The windows do have triple tracks, although I'm thinking I might like to eventually remove them, so we'll see what Resource Conservation Technology has to say.
thanks again.
Marnold,
There are some other posts here about restoring double-hung windows, so you might want to run a search on that.
In short, this is what I typically do: (1) install teflon leaf-spring weatherstripping on the sides of the sash and at the check rail, (2) install a silicon bulb weatherstrip on the bottom of the bottom sash, and on the top of the top sash.
The above weatherstripping is inserted into a narrow kerf, and has a barbed shank.
I used to use spring bronze, but have found that the above is much easier to install and performs better, too.
Good luck with your project and do search the database for more info!
Ragnar
Thanks for the additional info, Ragnar.
There's definitely a lot of info here about this topic, and I think I've read just about all of it. The one thing I didn't see an answer to anywhere was my specific question about whether the spring bronze is attached to the sash or the jamb.
The great part is that now not only do I have that answer, but have had the idea that maybe spring bronze isn't the ideal material to use impressed upon me. That's the beauty of the forum.
So, thanks again.
Marnold,
After re-reading your first reply, I noticed a comment about the triple tracks.... I have also posted a few replies here about the use of 1-3/8" thick wood storm sash. It looks great, so maybe that would be something you'd like to consider, too.
Regards,
Ragnar
hey Ragnar-
Any luck coming up with a source or a company name for that magic sping stuff?
Thanks!
Jake
Edited 11/22/2002 3:23:20 AM ET by LATEAPEX911
Hey Ragnar, I'm still evaluating my options for storms... The first floor of the house has older wooden storms (not 1-3/8", though) and I think what I might do is go back to using those on the second floor. I won't do anything until winter passes though, and since I'm in WI, I have lots of time to think about it!
thanks.
Most old sash have a wide and deep groove plowed out of the sides, extending about halfway down, in which the sash cords are inserted and attached. How do you attach the teflon leaf weatherstripping you mentioned with this type window? Is this a situation where the weatherstripping must be attached to the jamb?