Getting old windows fixed the right way

Question: Our house has lots of older windows that shake when the wind blows.

The windows have ropes and pulleys. The glass also is coming out of the window frames in a lot of cases.

We have an older house and do not want to replace the windows with modern stuff, because it never looks very good, and historic-

looking replacements cost so much money and there are a lot of windows in our house.

We are just looking for a professional who might repair the mechanisms and replace the glass.

Any ideas?

Answer: I spent 14 years in a past life trying to repair old windows - 31, to be exact - so I think a carpenter experienced in dealing with older houses would be your best bet.

In many areas in which older houses are the rule, there are nonprofit groups that provide information on old-house products and services that would be useful to you.

In addition, there are bulletin boards in hardware stores and some home centers with business cards of repair people able to do the work.

It won't come cheap - with an older house, nothing ever does - but the right carpenter or restoration contractor can take your windows back to their glorious past.

You could do the job yourself, with a little guidance. (Those same old-house groups often sponsor seminars in repairs.)

The windows' ropes should be changed to chains, which will last longer. Plus, it's not as easy to find replacement rope as it is chain.

Be careful when working with old windows, however, because there is often a layer of lead-based paint on them, and you don't want to have to deal with that. There is a health risk involved, and you need to read up on it before you even consider the job.

As for the glass, some hardware stores will install new glass in old windows. But you'll have to remove the windows and take them to the store, and the job will take a while.

Investigate all the alternatives available to you before you make first contact with a carpenter or contractor.

aheavens@phillynews.com or write him at Box 8263, Philadelphia 19101. Volume prohibits individual replies.