I promise that I am not trying to sweep the rest of 2019 under the rug, but with a project as large as BHH, I am in perpetual planning mode most of the time. Over the last five and a half years here, we have made so much progress. (Remember the beginning?) Even so, there is one part of this giant house that requires more focus: window restoration. Coincidentally, it is also my most requested topic on Instagram. So, I am declaring 2020 as The Year of the Window.
Last summer, I counted all of our windows and discovered that we have 140. Gulp. I harbor no illusions that I will fix them all in 365 days, but without a dedicated stretch of work, I will continue at my current snail’s pace.
What to Expect
During The Year of the Window, I will cover all window restoration topics from paint stripping to weather stripping and everything in between. Since I am starting during cold weather, I won’t be able to go exactly in order. For instance, I am not likely to remove a window in January. However, by the end of 2020, there will be a bunch of restoration resources and content here on the blog.
What Not to Expect
I promised myself that I would not choose a specific number of windows to finish. That’s entirely too much pressure. Instead, I will attempt to live in the moment and use the weather to my advantage. Slow but steady progress is my intent.
What’s First?
In preparation for The Year of the Window, I need to set up an indoor workshop. I am officially frozen out of the outdoor one. It was 19 degrees on my dog walk this morning, and Millie was not amused.
For the next couple of weeks, I will set up the basement workshop for peak window restoration efficiency. I will share my tips and tricks for a well-ordered workspace, and I’ll share some of my favorite tools–just in time for Santa or Hannukah, or whatever. I won’t tell a soul if you buy a little something for yourself.
Want to join me for The Year of the Window? If so, comment below. Let me know some specific window restoration topics that still stump you. Perhaps, if we are in this together, we can motivate each other, especially during August. That is when I want to do nothing except soak up the sun like a solar panel. If only restoring windows was as quick as making vitamin D.
14 Comments
Sherrill
What an interesting theme! Our neighborhood in the East Skinner Butte Historic District went through some window restoration in the past two years. We have “Vintage Window Restoration” in a nearby town. One neighbor learned from the proprietor, Chris, and then set out to repair their own and another had Chris come and renovate every window. It made a huge improvement in both houses! We didn’t have a major window problem, but while Chris was over doing some quick fixes, he adjusted our pocket doors. Long live historic houses!
Stacy
I love knowing that there are people out there teaching others how to repair and restore vintage windows. That makes me so happy! Also, my pocket doors could use some work. LOL
Lori
I am so excited about this! I’ll be taking notes for when I can buy my dream old house with original windows.
Stacy
Yay! Thank you for following along. 🙂
Jennie
So pumped for this. Our windows are in deep need of attention (1927 craftsman four square with all of the original windows). Ours are rattly (need to be reglazed?), very drafty (which may be more an issue with our 1980s aluminum storms?), and a few are painted shut/don’t sit well in their frames. I am handy, but have never done anything like this before. I would much rather tackle them on my own than hire it out (which we can’t afford anyway). All of that is to say, I’m waiting for any guidance/wisdom you can offer as I sloooooowly work our way around our windows.
Stacy
I am happy that this information might be useful to you! We have all of those problems and more here. LOL
Vanessa
Great pictures Stacy!
Stacy
Thank you, Vanessa!
Ryan
Maybe 2020 will be the year that I start my window restoration journey? I’ve done emergency repairs but never a whole window. I’m looking forward to your process.. i know part of my paralysis is born from wanting to do it “right” and I’m not totally sure what that means so I haven’t done anything yet.
My current plan is to start with a small basement window that is getting destroyed by the western sun and or my bathroom window since there is only one and it had southern exposure so it really needs help.
Stacy
Like I told someone else, the first window is like a first pancake. It doesn’t always look perfect, but it works! A small basement window would make an ideal starter project.
Heidi
I’ve got a stained glass window in a high peak of our house (accessible from the attic only) that needs some attention. I’ll be following along for hints & tips. What a great theme for 2020
Stacy
I can just imagine your stained glass window, and I bet it is beautiful.
Elizabeth A McClellan
Ooh, I should. I’ve reglazed some of my windows and replaced a few panes and sash cords, but haven’t fully jumped into the project and mine could all use some love. They definitely spent some years being unappreciated-a couple were even glued shut with some sort of orange spray foam insulation. Looking forward to the tutorials and the motivation!
Stacy
Jump on in! 🙂