Instructor: Bob England
Cost: $120

Course Overview
Historic double-hung windows operate using a system of counterweights, pulleys, and sash cords that allow smooth, balanced movement of the upper and lower sashes. This workshop introduces participants to the mechanics behind these traditional systems and teaches how to restore them using time-tested preservation methods.

Participants will learn how to safely access weight pockets, remove interior stops, and extract sashes without damaging historic material. The course covers identifying common points of failure—such as frayed sash cords, missing weights, or misaligned pulleys—and how to address each with appropriate repairs.

Hands-on instruction will guide participants through replacing sash cords, retying knots, reinstalling weights, and properly rebalancing the window for smooth operation. Emphasis will be placed on working with original materials whenever possible and understanding when selective replacement is appropriate.

Topics Covered
• Components of historic counterweight systems
• Opening and accessing weight pockets
• Removing and reinstalling sash safely
• Replacing sash cords or chains
• Rebalancing window weights
• Reinstallation

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a working knowledge of double-hung window mechanics, increased confidence in disassembly and reassembly, and the skills needed to return a non-functioning window to safe, operable condition while preserving its historic integrity.

Appropriate for students aged 16+. Ages of 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

• What you'll learn

  • Diagnosing window operation problems
  • Sash removal and reinstallation
  • Installing new sash cords
  • Balancing counterweights
  • Restoring proper window function

• About The Teacher

  Robert England (Bob) graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Industrial Management. He worked for RR Donnelley for 25 years, then walked away to work full-time on his house and rental properties. His properties needed a lot of work, much of which he did himself, including total restoration of a condemned building that took 2 years to complete. Along the way, through trial and error, he learned how to replace broken sash cords and eventually started repairing cords for some of his neighbors. Word spread, and it has now become an almost fulltime activity. He's worked for over 80 clients and repaired well over 500 windows, since then.

• Cancellation & Refund

  We know life happens! If you need to cancel or reschedule your workshop, here’s how it works:

  • More than 7 days before class → Full refund (minus a 10% admin fee) or a 100% credit toward another workshop (good for 6 months).

  • 1 day before class → No refund or credits.

  • No-shows → Not eligible for refund or credit.

  • If we cancel a workshop → You’ll get a full refund or a 100% workshop credit — your choice.

  *Special note: If you’re sick or have an emergency, please reach out at least 24-48 hours before class. We’ll do our best to offer a credit or transfer.

  To cancel or request a change, email us at Info@LancasterWorkshop.com or call 717-951-6037.