Windows
Basic Tools and Supplies for Historic Wood Window Restoration
Tools
Window Removal
- Window zipper
- Utility knife
- Utility knife blades
- Numbered die stamps ( to mark for replacement in correct jamb)
- Screw drivers
- Small, flat ply bar
Restoration
- Speed Heater – infrared heating device to remove lead paint safely
- Spray bottle - to mist wood before scraping
- Carbide scraper - for 2” blades
- Profile scrapers & pull-shave scrapers
- 1.5” stiff putty knife for applying glazing putty
- Bastard file to sharpen profile, steel scraper blades
Historic Wood Window Repair
This section contains technical "how to" information regarding the restoration of historic wood windows.
Much of the material in this section is posted/adapted with permission of Bob Yapp. All articles on this site authored by Mr. Yapp remain his sole intellectual property and as such copyrighted. Any use of this material is prohibited unless permission is specifically granted by Bob Yapp.
Sash and Jamb Restoration Specs
by Bob Yapp
Sash Removal and Restoration.
- Be sure window opening to be worked on has a weather stripped storm window in place to protect the house from the weather. If not protect with ½” OSB board.
- Remove all interior sash stop, parting stop, metal weather stripping & both window sashes from the opening and mark for location that can survive paint removal. Discard parting stop and keep interior stop. If new interior stop is to be installed, discard original interior stop. Save all screw and washers removed from interior stop for later re-use.
How to Rehang Window Sash Weights
Double-hung windows are made to be easily repairable without a whole lot of carpentry skills. If a window sash will not stay up, or is very heavy to lift, one possible cause is that the counterweights have detached from the sash.
This is a generalized description of how to rehang the counterweights in a typical double-hung window. Note that your actual window construction may differ from this description.
- Utilize lead safe work practices (http://renovatedsm.com/node/176). Windows are a common source of lead paint dust - make sure you work safely.
How to Replace a Broken Window Pane
Replacing a broken pane of glass in a historic window or door is not a difficult task and does not require any expensive tools. This brief tutorial will walk you through the process step by step
- Acquire supplies and tools
- Prepare the work area
- Remove the door or window
- Remove the broken glass pane
- Clean up the frame
- Install new glass
- Replace glazing
- Reinstall door or window
Bathroom Renovation Planning
Bathroom renovations can be difficult to plan and implement because there are so many systems and materials packed into what is usually a small room. Bathrooms also host some of our homes' most inhospitable conditions (heat and humidity) so it is important that all the finishes are installed correctly. Otherwise, you will be renovating your bathroom again sooner than you think!
Most portions of a bathroom renovation should be handled by professionals. Water and electricity don't play nice together, so make sure that the people who work on those components know what they are doing.
Painting Window Sashes, Storms, and Jambs
Preparation
Remove all paint from sashes, jambs, sills and interior stools.
[editor's note: Follow all lead safe work practices when working with windows, unless they have tested negative for lead based paint.]
A Case For Restoring Historic Wood Windows
by Bob Yapp
- Wood Quality. New wood windows are made with new growth lumber that is not as strong or rot resistant as the old growth lumber in windows made before the 1950s.
- Repairable Glass. Insulated glass seals tend to fail in 2 to 6 years allowing condensation between the panes. Most insulated glass panels cannot be replaced once they fail. The entire window must be replaced.
Replacing Historic Windows - Guidelines from the National Park Service
Windows are one of the character defining elements of a historic structure. When you are applying for historic tax credits (or your structure is located in a local historic district), you may be required to retain and repair your existing historic windows.
This document discusses the various scenarios and how the replacement versus repair question will be evaluated by the reviewer.
Abatron Wood Restoration and Maintenance Products
Abatron sells a variety of epoxy-based products for wood restoration and repair.
Follow this link directly to their Wood Restoration and Repair Products
Reglazing a Historic Wood Window Sash - VIDEO
Des Moines Rehabbers Club member Kelli Griffis edited together footage she took at the April 2008 DSMRC meeting and created this great "how-to" video. The video is about 50 minutes and takes you through the process from removing the sash to removing old glazing, taking out the glass, cleaning/repairing the sash, and finally reinstalling the glass and reglazing. Also listen for some great information and advice from Jack Porter of the Iowa Historical Society.
Angela Thorne demonstrates how to reglaze a historic wood window sash:
Reglazing a Historic Double Hung Window Sash
Before you replace your historic home's original wood windows, consider the historic, economic, ecological, and technical benefits of repairing the ones you already have. Despite what the salespeople tell you, replacement is NOT necessarily the best option... The original wood windows in your house may have been there for 100 years already - with proper repair and maintenance, they may be able to serve you for 100 more!
Window
This is an example of a "2/2" double-hung window.
The "2/2" designation indicates that both the top and bottom sashes are divided into two sections. A true divided lite has a wood muntin separating each pane of glass. Modern windows typically have "simulated" divided lites with sticking applied to the outside of a single insulated glass unit to approximate the look of a true divided lite.
muntin
a slender vertical or horizontal bar between windows or individual glass panes within a single window
Get the Lead Out!
Lead paint can be found on almost any surface of your historic home: windows, walls, ceilings, siding, cabinetry, and trim. Lead is a poison and can affect both humans and pets. Children are particularly susceptible. Contact the Polk County Health Department for more information on lead paint law, lead poisoning symptoms, and how to rid your house of lead.
Lynn Simmons
Program Specialist
Polk County Health Department
1907 Carpenter Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-286-3596
e-mail: Lsimmon@co.polk.ia.us
Windows
Windows are important not just to let light in and keep out the weather, but also as a defining feature of your homes’ style. Windows are categorized by several characteristics: material, number of panes of glass, method of opening, and any unique features. For example a wood, arch-top, 2/2, double-hung window has the following characteristics: (1) the sashes and frame are constructed from wood, (2) the top sash is curved at the top, (3) each sash has two divided panes of glass, and (4) both sashes move up and down.
Repair, Replace, or Replicate
The key decision you will have to make is whether to repair or replace your windows. Historically speaking, repair is generally the preferred method. A tightly sealed, well-installed, high quality storm window installed over your repaired historic wood window will provide an acceptable barrier to the weather. Repairing a historic window may involve replicating deteriorated pieces of the frame or sill, reglazing the sashes, weatherstripping, stripping/painting, and rehanging the counterweights. Reglazing a window and rehanging the weights are skills that are easily learned by a novice. Replicating deteriorated wood pieces requires special tools and skills that may be better left to professionals or those with significant experience.
In the event that the sashes are beyond repair but the frames are still in good condition, a millwork shop may be able to create replacement sashes for much less cost than a full replacement window. They may also be able to re-mill your existing sashes to accept insulated glass if you want to upgrade the glazing.
Window Replacement
If you decide to replace the windows, you will be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding the cost, style, construction, and efficiency of the replacement windows. Within the bounds of this overview, only some of these decisions will be discussed. The four major types of modern window construction are wood, aluminum, clad, and vinyl.
