How do you replace old rope and pulley windows?
by Evonia Hogan
We want to replace our old windows with aluminum ones. What do we need to do?
3 answers
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The rope and pulley can probably stay in the walls. I'd just replace the window. Important to have the right size however.
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Adrianne C
on Oct 19, 2014
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In my 1900 home, I found that the windows are only held in the window frame by the trim. I removed a window and extended the opening to use as a door opening when I added a walk-in closet. After the trim was removed the windows came right out after I cut the rope that the window weights were attached to. I will be replacing some of the other windows soon with plans to simply remove the windows in the same manner and fit the new double-hung triple pane vinyl windows into the opening. While aluminum is great, I would only consider aluminum if I could get them to fit into the opening by simply sliding them into it which means no flange. I have another 1910 home in Georgia in which I replaced all windows with aluminum with flanges. The only thing that made the replacement easy was the fact that I was replacing all siding and trim - this meant removal of all existing siding and trim. Replacing windows from outside which have flanges is not extremely difficult, but I feel the integrity of the window itself is much stronger and better when you can slide the replacement into the existing frame. Fortunately I live close to an Amish community and am getting my windows custom made to fit the opening. My replacement windows will not have a trim so I simply slide them into the existing opening when the old window is removed, secured by screwing around the entire window to the frame, a little caulking (inside and out), and install my new trim on the inside of the the window to finish it out. When the old window is out, you should check the condition of the frame being sure to replace any rotten wood, fill any openings, and close up any cracks or holes with caulking. I hope you find this helpful. Just start with one and see how it goes. Good luck.
![Charles R]()
Charles R
on Oct 19, 2014
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FYI, windows can be made to any size. Check with your local glass person. Important to have correct measurements however. Also, if stock windows are close to the size of the opening, they can be shimmed out. Have fun!
![Adrianne C]()
Adrianne C
on Oct 19, 2014
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