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 was preservation expert Steve Quillian, of Wood Window Makeover, said in this 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.
Old Windows Made Easy, by Scott Sidler
Carbite scraper
Drill
Vacuum
Paint scraper
Sanding block
Utility knife
Restoring Old Windows Video Playlist
NOTE ON LEAD PAINT: To stay safe during home renovations, please refer to this excellent lead safety guide developed by the EPA.
Enjoy this type of content? At Indow, preserving historic windows is very important to us. We help architects across the country make original windows energy efficient with our inserts – read about it here.
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I’m wondering if u have to remove all the putty from the old window or can u putty up to old putty if it’s sound
Great question, Leanne. If you have enough depth in your window frame, you can install an Indow insert without needing to address old putty. But if you prefer to first address the old putty, please check out this blog post from Scott Sidler on old and new putty in your frames: https://thecraftsmanblog.com/will-new-putty-bond-to-old-putty/
my “old” windows are from the 70’s so probably not as old as many others’ who use this information…but I live in a northern climate and there are areas of black wood inside the frame that I cannot reach (there is a hinge that opens the window in front of the area) with sandpaper in order to remove. can I just apply a chemical (hydrogen peroxide?) with a cotton swab and hope for the best i.e. that the mold or whatever will not grow?
Hi, Debra. We aren’t chemical experts and since we don’t have a picture to understand what you’re dealing with, our recommendation is to purchase a product specifically designed for wood treatment of mold. A quick online search of “mold spray for wood” should help you find the right product.