We have dyneema top ends on our ropes and the cloth casing has worn. Does this mean that the ropes should be replaced or can we carry on using the ropes?
The outer casing on a typical Dyneema braid on braid rope is made from polyester. It's there very simply for the protection of the Dyneema core and better handling characteristics. There are a couple of options, you can get a new polyester cover to put over the Dyneema core, or remove the entire polyester cover throughout the rope. It really depends on how it has worn through and how you can finish it at the splice above the sally. Has it been catching on something?
In my experience, some of the ropes I've supplied that have been on over 10 years, with a lot of ringing on them are still absolutely fine.