Historic Window Restoration Will Help Your Windows

Wood windows are not the obsolete dinosaurs of “window technology” that people think they are. The fact is wood windows are absolutely essential to keeping the historical accuracy of your house intact. Another little known fact is that old wood windows can be just as energy efficient as newer windows and at a fraction of the cost too. All that it takes is a little historic window restoration to make them function just as well as those newfangled upstart windows.

Wood windows were built by skilled craftsmen that designed them to last for decade after decade. They are so exceedingly durable because they were made of old growth lumber. This old growth lumber comes from virgin forests and is naturally more dense and resistant to decay than other lumber is. These are windows should be saved, not replaced with today’s inferior aftermarket window. With a simple historic window restoration, your windows will operate like new windows, yet retain the original look and feel that was designed to go along specifically with your house.

The skilled craftsmen that made your windows purposely made them to match the overall architecture of the house. Great pains were taken to make the windows an elegant and complimentary design aspect with matching trim and sash profiles. At the moment they may seem obsolete and a real genuine pain–in–the–you–know–what, as they slam themselves shut when you don’t want them closed, get stuck when you want them open, or let in all kinds of uncomfortable drafts. Guaranteed though, a historic window restoration will solve all these problems with old windows, and keep the quaint, historic appearance of your home in place.

The procedure is a multi step process that completely renovates those lovely old windows. It starts with a complete disassembly of the original. If the there is excessive paint build up that is causing it to be very tight, it is planed and sanded. A brand new chain, rope, or balancer is installed, and all loose joints in the sash are reinforced with caulking, or restored with epoxy. Parting beads are replaced, as they may be damaged. The sash is re-weighted so it can be properly suspended with no falling down or floating up. All channels and pulleys are then lubricated to prevent any squeaking or squealing. Locks are realigned so as to do their job properly and easily. Stops, which are vertical strips of wood that allow the bottom sash to be able to move freely, yet close securely enough to prevent the wind from causing it to rattle. If the sashes are dry-rotted or termite-ridden, they have the ability to create and install brand new sashes which completely match the look and feel of the old sashes. The last touch to a is the weatherstripping. Once weatherstripping is installed, an old set of windows will be just as energy efficient as a newer one and operate with just as much silky smoothness.