Old Window Repair – Why-n-how

Just saw some great videos produced by the Kansas SHPO (State Historic Preservation Offices).

For decades, consumers have been led to believe that replacing their old wood windows with new vinyl, metal or clad windows will improve their home. Replacement windows have been marketed as energy efficient, and therefore environmentally friendly, and economical, by saving the homeowner money over the lifespan of the window. In reality, properly repaired wood windows can be equally energy efficient, are more environmentally friendly, are a better financial investment, and preserve one of the most important character-defining features of a historic home.

Wood Window Introduction:

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Anatomy of a Window:

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Sash Cord Repair:

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Epoxy Repair:

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Glazing Repair:

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Heat rises. Most heat loss is through the roof, not the windows. Remaining heat loss from windows is largely due to drafty windows that can be repaired, NOT from radiation from the glass as those selling it would have us believe. Yes, insulated glass radiates less heat loss but at what cost? What’s the incremental savings from heat radiation? Not much. Old house homeowners are spending a dollar to save a dime. They’re buying into an immense and unified marketing message from manufacturers, retailer and installers… Why repair your windows when you can buy what we’re selling? They’re being snookered.

For professionals interested in learning this skill or homeowners interested in do-it-yourself there is training available.
Belvedere School – Window Restoration College

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For those who’d rather hire a professional who knows how to repair old windows…
Watch this space. I’ve got some leads I’m chasing down. I’ll also be updating this to our Old House Services page.

Window Restoration Contractors:

Rory Mulligan
Mulligan Restoration Inc.

128 W. River St.
Rockton, IL. 61072
Phone and fax (815)964-4210
Cell (815)509-6246
mulliganrestoration@charter.net
www.mulliganrestoration.com

Smaller Projects:

For many smaller projects, it is more cost effective to use a local contractor.  The skills to restore windows that need basic maintenance (painting and weather stripping) are not that difficult for a trained carpenter. However, if the sash are seriously deteriorated and need epoxy repairs and custom replacement parts, it is better to use a specialist.

Window Repair Resources:

This is a very well illustrated and well written guide to essential window repairs.
Save Your Wood Windows by John Leek

Preservation Brief 9: “The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows” by the National Park Service:

Lead Paint Safety:

Virtually all old wood windows have lead paint. It is not necessary or required to have a lead abatement contractor do this work unless your project has federal funding from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The following downloadable publication (Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for Painting, Maintenance and Home Renovation) covers most of the practical methods of doing renovation work and working lead-safe:

~ Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

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