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

1555 Reviews

Reviews.io logo

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We have a very old home that started as a one room cabin in 1935 in the mountains of CA It has been added on to numerous times and the former owner changes out all of the windows to duel pane except one funky non opening window in a bedroom. Very cold in the winter. We needed a good solution. Found this company, and we are delighted with our purchase. Fits perfectly and is sturdy. Thank you for solving our problem!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    My Indow insert works really well at cutting down the traffic noise from the street outside, which was my goal when purchasing this insert. I have a large window and with the detailed measuring instructions, I got a good fit. It was not difficult to

    install even by myself, as one person. This company was recommended to me by a friend, and I will now highly recommend this company if you are looking for great customer service and a quality produce. Thank you!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Very high quality materials used in the design and construction of window inserts and easy installation and care videos. Top notch communications of the product progression phases and questions answered in a timely manner.

    I am very impressed with these inserts and the high degree of care that went into their construction and delivery. Very good company and I thank all the workers for the good craftsmanship you provide to such a wonderful product.

    Well done.

    Craig

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We purchased a total of 7 Indow 'Acoustic' Window inserts for the purpose of reducing the level of noise inside our home from our neighboring home's outdoor A/C - Heatpump units on either side. We couldn't be more pleased with the results. The noise level is reduced (NOT completely) but to the degree that we find ourselves looking out the window on occasion to see whether or not those outside units are actually running. There is a dramatic reduction in the noise level from prior to our installation. Thank you Indows!!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Window replacement is so expensive. Indow window inserts are a great alternative to extend the life of your windows. Since we had no mechanical issues with the windows inserts were a good choice.

    The staff was great to work with. They gladly answered any questions I had. The inserts were very well packaged for shipping. It was a fine experience from start to finish.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We received our windows and installed them right away. We live very close to a busy highway behind our home, so noise has always been an issue. We ordered the acoustic inserts for three windows, and I can honestly say I noticed a difference immediately. The sound isn’t completely gone (which is understandable with a highway nearby), but it has been reduced enough that I no longer need to sleep with earplugs, which is a huge win for us.

    The customer service was also great — they were helpful and kept us updated throughout the entire process. Installation was fairly easy, and the installation videos were very clear and helpful. Overall, we’ve been very happy with our experience and have already recommended this product to a friend.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    The indow window company and their staff are great Partners in battling the cold winter drafts coming through your windows and helps keep your home warm and cozy.. Wonderful company and great customer service..

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Overall I am happy with the results. They do exactly what is advertised online.

  • 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.