How To Repair Historic Wood Windows

The window sash repair described here was part of a larger window preservation and barn repair project at the historic sabbathday lake shaker village in new gloucester me.

How to repair historic wood windows. Historic wood windows are constantly being torn out of homes today and being replaced with inferior products. When repairing windows in older homes the process involves removing the old sashes and storm. Tamp a dry soft bristled 3 or 4 paintbrush into the dry powdered whiting and work a small amount into the bristles. They can easily be taken apart to insert new rails or muntins cross pieces separating the panes.

Wood window restoration and repair is easier than you think. Wood frames wood sashes and an anchor line pulley system to allow operation. Here s to restore them. Follow along as we repair them.

Unlike replacement windows where the whole window unit must often be replaced or factory repaired if an issue arises historic windows can be repaired piecemeal. Replacement of historic wooden windows has become a thriving industry. While working on the windows we could see they were entirely hand crafted not factory made. Original panes that are in good condition can stay intact.

Repairing wood windows our old windows had broken glass and crumbling putty. As fenestration manufacturing improved windows were equipped with storm windows to add protection from wind and rain while providing increased thermal performance. Windows are blamed for energy loss and the replacements are marketed and sold as an ef. Once the paint is removed you can scrape away any rot and fill holes with putty or make repairs with wood epoxy.

Old wood windows were made to be repaired. Metal vinyl double paned triple paned argon filled are promoted as the solution to a drafty old house. Replace damaged or missing glass and glazing compound. Wooden windows which are repaired and properly maintained will have greatly extended service lives while contributing to the historic character of the building.

The repair of historic wooden windows. Thus an important element of a building s significance will have been preserved for the future. Replacing old wood screens a few tricks and some advice on making new wooden window screens. Windows are an important architectural element in old houses.

Starting at the top of the panes gently dust the surface of the glass with the brush g. Work down the panes to remove all the whiting and oil from the glass surface. Repairable historic wood windows are designed to be easy to repair.