The Historic District

Hi all - we are in the process of purchasing a 1959 Cape style house in RI. As we all see too often, the original windows were replaced with the cheapest of the cheap vinyl windows. Many of the these windows have lost their insulated glass seals and are fogging up (no idea how old they are). I will ...

Thanks everyone for these great ideas, I have a lot of research to do! I'll be sure to share the results once I get one built...just need to figure out the best way to go. Much appreciated!

Does anyone have experience with making their own interior storm windows? I'm interested in building a prototype for my ca. 1910 bungalow, either metal or wood frame. I've seen a few tutorials on YouTube, which mostly involve using acrylic glass or vinyl film. I figured this would be a better forum ...

I actually ended up using the standard Pullman sash balances: http://pullmanmfg.com/standard.html . They worked really well, the challenge was cutting new holes in the jambs. Got better as I went along! The price on steel stock was way over the homeowner's budget, so this was the best solution. The ...

Thanks all for the great ideas. I'm working with a local steel manufacturer on pricing for 1 1/2" round stock; a 12" stick will weigh about 6 lbs, which should work. Had also considered the Pullman balances - would definitely save on labor but need to check pricing on those. After reading ...

Fairly confident the spring balances are not original, as sash have rope channels and knot holes. Although the jambs have no evidence of weight pocket doors; thinking the jambs might have been replaced when walls were re-done.

Matt, thanks for the suggestion to contact steel supplier.

Hi all - working on an interesting project, 1940s bungalow that had pulley/weight system taken out at some point and a spring balance system put in. Before new owners purchased the house, all of the windows/springs were painted over (and of course painted shut ). They hired me to return a pulley/wei...