Repairing Old and Historic Windows Windows are a common problem in nearly every rehabilitation project should they be repaired or must they be replaced? What can be done to repair a water-damaged sill? Can a window be retrofitted with storm windows? How can windows be replaced while still maintaining their historical integrity? Repairing Old and Historic Windows explores these questions and provides detailed information on how to go about refurbishing windows within current preservation standards. Written for homeowners, architects, builders, engineers, and preservationists, Repairing Old and Historic Windows is the complete and authoritative guide to window maintenance and repair. Chapters focus on window problems, including deterioration, weather damage, paint problems, and condensation; window maintenance, including cleaning, weatherstripping, and installing shutters; and window replacement, including design, fabrication, and installation. Some 140 photographs and illustrations, many of which are technical drawings, an extensive glossary of window refurbishing terms, and a suggested reading list provide further ideas and guidance for undertaking the repair of old and historic windows. The complete primer on window repair and maintenance.
The Window Sash Bible is about the repair, maintenance, restoration and improvement of old or historic windows made from about 1800 to 1940. With so much misinformation provided by replacement window contractors and vendors, this book aids homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, carpenters, architects, designers, preservation commission members, and anyone in the old-house business make sound decisions about windows. Since most homeowners are unaware of their alternatives, The Window Sash Bible provides an array of options to save money, energy, and historic windows for decades to come.The information is gleaned from my experience as a window repair contractor and old-house enthusiast, from other craftsmen, books, catalogues, journals, trade manuals, and ah-ha moments. Most of the recommendations are based on available materials and simple techniques that were once common. Whether doing the work yourself or hiring it done, the Window Sash Bible will help you understand how to evaluate any problems and how to undertake the repair process. Instructions range from simple tasks that anyone can do like replacing broken cords and cutting glass to repairs requiring intermediate wood working skills, for example, making a new sash rail.The book begins with window and glass history and nomenclature. Familiarity with the pieces and parts prepares you to discuss your windows knowledgably with vendors, contractors, or other professionals and also sheds light on how your windows are supposed to work. Basic repairs and putty work include removing sashes, installing new sash cords and other balances, glazing (puttying), replacing broken glass, and everything you need to know about finding and using old wavy glass. Almost any old window can be retrofitted with effective weatherstrips. You'll learn how to weather-seal your windows with materials that are usually superior to those found on new and replacement windows. Choose materials and techniques to last ten years or for the 50 year solution. After learning all you need to know about durable and inferior wood species, carpentry instructions range from a simple Dutchman repair to replacing a broken muntin or meeting rail. You'll also learn the ins-and-outs of long lasting epoxy repairs and patches.Thinking about putting those old wood storms and screens on the curb? Confused if your ugly aluminum storms are worth keeping? Learn how to convert your old wood storms into efficient, handy combination units or how to extend the life of your aluminum storms by renewing the weather seals. And what about painting? Did you know that your painter is often your window's worst enemy and that inappropriate painting techniques and poor choices of paint are the leading cause of sticky windows and ineffective weatherseals? You'll find instructions for painting inside and out, the best and worst choices for paint, and precautions to keep everyone safe from lead dust and debris. The Window Sash Bible promotes environmental friendly solutions for window maintenance, repair, and restoration. After reading it, you'll understand why most replacements are unnecessary and why your existing windows are superior to any you may replace them with.
This definitive book covers the operation, care, repair, and restoration of all kinds of wood windows, along with chapters on weather-stripping, repainting, and refinishing.
Old Windows Made Easy is the book for anyone who wants to learn the art of window restoration. This is NOT some technical manual that covers a bunch of obscure facts and techniques that only professional preservationists will find useful. Is is NOT a comprehensive explanation of the history and function of wood windows.This book is a simple, straightforward approach that will allow anyone with minimal DIY skills to successfully restore their wood windows with professional looking results. It is the only step-by-step guide on old windows that walks you through the restoration and repair process from beginning to end.You'll learn:- Proper order of operations- Window anatomy- How to easily remove and reinstall window sash- The best way to strip old paint and finish- How to putty glaze like a pro- How to complete simple epoxy repairs- The best way to paint a window
This updated guidance on traditional windows covers both timber and metal windows and is aimed at building professionals and property owners. Historic windows are often of considerable importance to the significance of listed buildings. They can contribute to significance through their design, materials and workmanship. Detailed technical advice is provided on their maintenance, repair and thermal upgrading as well as on their restoration. The guidance also sets out our general approach when alteration or replacement requires listed building consent.
A practical guide to the maintenance and repair of old and historic buildings Carrying out work in accordance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's standards and guidelines can be a challenge for professionals charged with the preservation, restoration, and care of historic properties. This book-with-CD package facilitates the process with more than 400 field guidelines for the treatment of historic building structures, systems, and materials. It includes: Background and rationale for treatment Annotated standards and guidelines Step-by-step treatment instructions Information on energy conservation and meeting LEED and ADA requirements The treatment guidelines cover a wide range of issues, from how to replace broken glass in wood and metal windows to preparing historic mortar. Each guideline can be printed out individually from the accompanying CD for easy reference and on-site use. Well organized and easy to use, Maintaining and Repairing Old and Historic Buildings is a valuable resource for architects, engineers, facility managers, and related professionals working in the areas of building preservation and restoration.
This is the first and only reference volume covering the subject of windows in depth - no other book offers this wealth of practical detail. It is highly accessible, written for both the professional and interested layperson Written by a team of 15 experts - surveyors, structural engineers, craftsmen and conservators describing their own approaches to specific materials, problems and designs. It includes over 400 illustrations in colour and black and white, from a wide range of sources, including historic drawings, paintings, pattern books, textbooks, manufacturers' catalogues and contemporary and archive photographs. It is an invaluable asset for everyone involved with windows on a daily basis, combining the knowledge of leading historians and experts in the field of window conservation. The window is a familiar yet surprisingly complex feature, with a rich history that has not, up until now, been explored in any great depth. This encyclopaedic work is both a fascinating exploration of the history and development of the window, and a practical hands-on guide to their care and preservation. Part 1 covers the history of the window including the development in glass technology. It also provides an illustrated glossary of window types. Part 2 reviews the changes in policy and legislation and discusses structural issues, decay mechanisms and the current stringent performance standards and how they affect historic windows. Part 3 focuses on the materials used in the construction of windows and the craft of leaded glazing. It details the appropriate techniques for repair and conservation. Windows is fully illustrated in both colour and mono to include over 400 high quality illustrations.
