Wooden windows add character and charm. It’s important to keep the well maintained.
When your business or home is lucky enough to have historic wooden windows, it’s important to take excellent care of them to maintain the architectural character of the building. It’s important to respect the original materials and aspects of the windows, repairing instead of replacing when possible, and replacing with windows true to the originals.
Evaluate the Architectural or Historical Significance
First off, you should take time to examine the significance of the existing windows. When planning changes or a restoration you should take into account the four things that windows should do: admit light into the space, provide ventilation and fresh air, provide a link to the outside world, and visually enhancing the building. How do you know that the windows are significant to the building and not just a nice detail? If the windows are original, reflect the original purpose of the building, reflect period or local styles, reflect changes as a result of national or local events, or reflect amazing craftsmanship, the windows should be considered significant.
Evaluate the Physical
Now that you have taken time to examine the historical significance of the windows, complete a physical evaluation. Take into account the location of windows, the condition of the window frame, the condition of the windowsill, the condition of the paint, any glazing issues, what hardware was used, and the overall window condition. Once you examine the window, you can determine the steps that you need to do to restore the historic wooden window to great condition. You will generally have to complete routine maintenance, structural stabilization, and replacing parts.
Routine Maintenance
When repairing your historic wood windows, keep in mind that they require a lot of labor, but the repairs themselves are not challenging. In order to have your windows in tip-top shape your should consider completing the following steps: interior and/or exterior paint removal, sash removal and repair (or reglazing), frame repairs, reinstalling and weather-stripping the sash, and overall repainting.
Structural Stabilization
If your window needs a little extra tender loving repair, you maybe need to restore wood that is split or showing signs of rot. First, you need to dry the wood and treat any affected areas with fungicide. Next, you should waterproof the wood so that the issue doesn’t spread or ruin the rest of the window. After waterproofing the window, fill any holes or damaged areas with putty and repaint the whole surface.
Replacing Parts
If you can’t make the repairs that you want to with the wood window, as it exists now, you can restore the window while still keeping some of the original base. You can replace affected parts with new pieces that seamlessly match the old frame or section new wood into the existing framework. When replacing parts, keep in mind the following three steps: conduct regular maintenance so that frames cannot decay too much, make repairs whenever possible while using stabilization or splicing, and removing only when necessary and thoroughly researching an appropriate replacement and the right contractor to do it.
Ready to Restore or Replace?
Mahogany Inc. is a general contractor that specializes in quality construction for residential and commercial projects. We have the expertise and experience to get your historical wooden windows looking brand new. If you are looking for work that will set your living room, kitchen, or business apart, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 727-0334. To see examples of our wonderful work and see what our customers have to say, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.