Happy New Year! I declared 2020 as the Year of the Window, but now what? Leading up to today, one of the most common questions that I have been asked is, How do I start my window restoration project? There’s so much to do? Believe me; I get it. Last summer, just for funsies, I counted all the windows in BHH. I was shocked to discover the number that most of you already know by now: 140. That is not a typo. Sash windows, fixed, leaded glass, we’ve got it. It seems that each one needs a little something, if not a lot of something. To kick off the year of the window, I’m offering a few ideas for how to start a window restoration project.
Consider Safety First
I cannot stress enough that for safety, there should be a working window or exterior door in every bedroom and living space, at least. I recommend a functional window or door in every room in the house, especially if your home has a lot of square footage. Your family must have a way to get out of the house in case of a fire or other disaster.
You may end up spending the entire Year of the Window unsticking painted lower sashes, repairing sash cords, and creating an emergency evacuation plan.
Start Window Restoration on The Lower Sashes only
The brilliant way sash windows function is by letting hot air out of the house via an open upper sash and fresh air in through the lower. However, most of us can attest to the fact that our upper sashes were painted shut so long ago that it’s hard to believe they ever opened at all.
Lower sashes are easier to repair and maintain. For those of you just venturing into window restoration, that might be an excellent place to start. Perhaps you could work on restoring lower sashes, including paint, cords, hardware, etc. If you have time left over, you could start freeing the upper sashes. The downside to restoration in this order is that you’ll have to disassemble the window twice. The upside is that it should be a breeze the second time around. It’s also worth noting that many folks are happy with a fixed upper sash as long as the lower sash operates well.
One Room at a Time
Committing to a full window restoration, one room at a time is arguably the most satisfying way to begin. List makers and serial organizers are especially taken with this sequence. On the one hand, you’ll tackle every aspect of restoration from beginning to end. On the other hand, mastery of each step will take a little longer if you are new to this work. An imperfect outcome might drive perfectionists crazy. Remember the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell? 10,000 hours aren’t necessary, but repetitive work does equal proficiency.
Other Ways to Start a Window Restoration Project
There really is no right or wrong way to plan your window restoration project. You could spend the year:
- Repairing only broken glass panes
- Sourcing and collecting wavy glass pieces
- Working on casement windows only
- Building or improving your storm windows
- Triage – Repairing and stabilizing wood rot
- First floor, second floor, etc.
The way you opt to begin is entirely up to you. My intent is to help you start thinking about the way you want to spend your window restoration time. What makes the most sense for the house and your availability? Looking at the project, on the whole, can be overwhelming. Formulating a plan brings those feelings down a notch or two.
If you have any questions, ask them in the comments. Also, I would love to include your progress photos or tips in the new weekly newsletter. Throughout the year, you may send them to diy @blakehillhouse.com (no space).
Speaking of the newsletter, it is not too late to sign up to receive it in your inbox. Follow this link to sign up. The first one goes out today. If you miss it, let me know, and I will see if I can send out back-issues.
I am so excited about the Year of the Window and the focused work it entails. It makes me very happy to know that we are all working towards the common goal of restoring these original treasures.
PS: Please tag me on social media and use the hashtag #yearofthewindow so everyone can see what you are up to.
6 Comments
Sage
Hi Stacy! I’m so excited to be following along here and looking forward to restoring the beautiful old windows in this house I live in. Thank you for doing this!
Stacy
Thank you, Sage. Welcome! I’m excited to see your window project as it unfolds.
Ron
Hello Stacy, as a long time window worrier I find my best action plane is to do the whole window at one time, i often have two going once I get started.. there is a lot of down time waiting for your blot, then Primer, then first colour, and second paint to dry plus any repair work. Doing two windows at a time gives you some thing to do while waiting.
Doing the whole window assembly including the exterior trim and sill repairs works better, with both sashes out you have free access to those areas. The down side to this though is, if you have no storm windows to pop in and out of the hole at the end of the day, you will need to devise a make do.
It takes me a about ten days (often longer) to complete one whole window.
Also your readers should keep this in mind, it took decades for your windows to get to the point of needing restoration, if done correctly (and maintained) it might be a century till they need another restoration.
Ron (Gothichome)
Stacy
It sounds like you’ve got a great system in place, Ron. Your reminder to everyone that the windows took decades to reach a state of disrepair is important. Proper maintenance makes all the difference. Thank you!
Julie
Hi Stacy! I came across your site today and have been immersed for hours (so fun when that happens). We bought a rowhouse in a historic river town in New York in July 2019 and have the contractor plans drawn up. Problem is, we are DIYers and on a budget and lots of the contractors we’ve interviewed in the past few months seem to be used to working with very wealthy people (this is a wealthy town) who have an unlimited budget and no DIY skills. We initially wanted to keep and restore our windows (house was built in 1885) but were talked out of it by every contractor who came through here. First of all, the windows are covered in lead paint. Secondly, the rope pullies (not sure what they are called) have to be replaced and finally, the storm windows are ugly. We want to ensure the house will be energy efficient. My husband has refinished windows before and I’m up for learning. I saw your posts and thought, “hey, I can do this, too!). Any advice for us? We’ve had window people in and I just don’t love the look of new windows. even wood ones (I won’t do non-wood, no way). Plus the bids are $20,000 for a tiny 1600 sq ft house. I think we have 14 windows to replace. Is it worth it to do ourselves?
Stacy
Welcome, Julie! With 14 windows, I would absolutely encourage you to restore the windows as a DIY. I have several videos on YouTube, and I have some casual Q & A workday videos on IGTV too. All summer, I did casual Live sessions, and turned them into the IGTV videos.
The work you describe isn’t quick, but it sounds straightforward. I am not sure what kind of storm windows you have, but that might be where you want to spend the money if you don’t want to build your own.
Even in my house, with very unique windows, I get a window replacement flyer almost every week. It’s their job to try to sell you replacements, and contractors often do not know how to restore windows or do not want to spend the time doing it. Installing a replacement is much faster.
If I can help in any way, please let me know.