Fixing Old Windows Isn’t Hard

People think window restoration is hard, but with a few inexpensive tools, just about anyone can get started on fixing their old wood windows.

That's what preservation expert Steve Quillian, of Wood Window Makeover, said in a Window Hero Webinar here at Indow. Before the webinar started, he told us there’s a tendency among older craftsman to “keep their cards close to their vest” when it comes to restoration and preservation techniques. The new model, he said, should be all about, “Share, share, share. Put the power in the hands of young people…It’s important that we pass along traditions.”

That’s just what he did!

He started the webinar by walking the computer around to give viewers a tour of his workshop in Tampa, Florida, Wood Window Makeover. He detailed the anatomy of an old growth wood window. He showed how to remove the sash. How to replace old frayed rope. How to tie it onto the sash weight – even what kind of knot to use!

“A figure 8 knot – it stands the test of time and won’t come undone,”he said. “Trust me, you want to use the figure 8.”

Then he explained – and we thought this was just a great detail to go over – how you can put plywood in your window opening while you’re restoring windows so you can keep out the rain and feel safe during the restoration process.

His goal, he said, is to create an artisan army! There are just too many older structures that need restoration and preservation work. People need to feel empowered to tackle projects themselves.

Tools You Need for Fixing Old Windows Yourself:

All the tools Steve talked about that you need to restore windows (including educational tools) are included below.

NOTE ON LEAD PAINT: To stay safe during home renovations, please refer to this excellent lead safety guide developed by the EPA.

Trusted Since 2010

Indow has insulated more than 23,000 buildings - helping reduce carbon emissions by nearly 200,000 tons - and creating comfort across the US & Canada!

Reviews

Excellent

4.50 Average Rating

1547 Reviews

Reviews.io logo

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We ordered the Thermo insulation inserts for our cabin off the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. The windows are old and drafty and with the wind and the cold that has happened this year, the inserts have really came through. We used to see the curtains move when the wind was blowing hard and the cold would come right through the windows. After installing the inserts, which was so easy, there is a night and day difference with the window inserts and the house is actually warmer and the heat is not running constantly. These inserts have saved us thousands of dollars in window replacments and you can not even tell that the inserts are in the windows. Thank you Window Inserts for all your help.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Excellent product for windows outside noise problems. Bought 2 Indow inserts for our bedroom windows. I was hesitant at first, but after installing our new acoustic Indows I was impressed. It really cut down on outside noise tremendously. Got few estimates for 2 new windows to replace the old ones. The cost of installing new windows was a shocker. Now, I am happy with my choice to go with Indows. Highly recommend!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    This was the easiest install, as well the team are amazing, get right on a call answer the questions, there support is fantastic. I measured all my windows live near a street looking to knock down the noise.

    I tested this bought Indows installed them Noise went down shipping, timing and quality was great.

    Now I’ll install 4 more.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Thank you indows! We are very happy with our 5 new indows which were delivered by Fedex and in

    perfect shape when opened. Our dining room and adjoining room are warmer in the cold, which is a bit more this winter

    The indows were installed easily by myself and my wife as expected and look great. In total we have installed 8 of your products. Thank you again, Randy and Mary Jane.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    The inserts came as scheduled. They were crated very well. They fit perfectly. Great product and service.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Quick delivery and the windows fit very well even with how many anomolies there were in our 107 year old house. Installation took longer than I expected with 12 units to install, but once I figured out what I was doing it went much quicker. We ordered white frames with the plan to eventually repaint all the interior trim. In the mean time, the frames hide very well with our curtains and sheers. We are glad to get the decreased noise and improved thermal performance without ruining the exterior of this historic home.

  • 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    My home is about 500 ft. from an interstate highway and had been looking for a solution to reduce the highway noise, especially 18-wheeler truck noise all night long. What pushed me to finally make a decision was the 9 month highway repair project with trucks moving back and forth with their loud beeping when going in reverse (every 20 seconds) all through the night, every week night. I opted for the acoustic inserts, which took 3 months to receive from the time of my order. I was not happy about the 3 month waiting period. I was very timely with measuring the windows which included an arched window which I had to trace. The measurement process required 10 hours of time, most of which was the tracing (including time and cost to make several trips to buy materials for this). When they finally arrived, I installed the inserts and had approximately a 30% reduction in decibel levels. After nearly $5,000 in costs, I was hoping to have had better noise reduction.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I live in a house that’s over 100 years old so some of the windows are odd sizes and drafty. Originally I ordered 3 Indow window inserts for my dining room to try them out. I was so impressed with their appearance and effectiveness at insulating and reducing sound that I decided to order more. Recently I ordered another 9 Indow window units for my living room, bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen. Both of the orders went very smoothly. They arrived well packaged and in perfect condition. I have already installed all of them and just in time as Chicago and most of the midwest has just been hit by a winter storm and blizzard with below freezing temperatures and 8-12 inches of snow. I couldn’t be happier they look fantastic as well as being practical and functional. My home is so much warmer and quieter now that they have been installed. Indow’s pricing was great and they gave me discounts as a returning customer and for bulk purchasing. Customer service, instructions and follow up were all excellent. Such a wonderful company and product.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I had 7 indow windows installed for draft reduction in my master bedroom. I had a home energy assessor [ from our utility supplier BGE] who checked for drafts / air leaks using infra-red camera and he certified "no leaks". Or bedroom is definitely less colder this winter and I am very happy with the cost effectiveness and efficiency offered by Indow window.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    An excellent product. Very well made, easy to install. Great support. Improves room temperature.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    The process of ordering and installing is quite extensive. This was my first experience with the company and left me a bit overwhelmed, even though I have 50 years experience in home construction and maintenance. But the results are really satisfying.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Everything fit. Installation was easy. I ordered almost 40 Indows and NO problems: clean, clearly marked for installation placement and can’t wait to NOT freeze this winter! Martin and Matt were beyond helpful!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    The indows came and all fit perfictly. I am excited that I will no longer have to install the winterizing plastic sheets over our windows each winter. They are nearly invisible but I have the feeling that they will make a positive impact on our heating bills. Thank you!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I love my Indow windows. I was skeptical that anything would really block out noise but these really work and it’s made my life more enjoyable since I can sleep in peace. We live on a busy street so this investment was worth it. I would totally recommend them

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    A+++++++++