Window Restoration Cape Cod

  • Step one in removing old putty -

    Step one in removing old putty
     

  • Often, only spot glazing is needed. - We are thrifty New Englanders: Do what you have to, and do it well, but don't do more than is needed. Once this has been primed and painted, you will never know

    Often, only spot glazing is needed.
    We are thrifty New Englanders: Do what you have to, and do it well, but don't do more than is needed. Once this has been primed and painted, you will never know

  • The lower corners are always most damaged by water. - In these examples, we used Abatron wood epoxy to seal and form new corners that will last for decades. Once painted, you will never know how infirm they were.

    The lower corners are always most damaged by water.
    In these examples, we used Abatron wood epoxy to seal and form new corners that will last for decades. Once painted, you will never know how infirm they were.

  • From the inside looking out -

    From the inside looking out
     

  • Whenever possible, I use original or salvaged hardware. They don't make them like they used to! -

    Whenever possible, I use original or salvaged hardware. They don't make them like they used to!
     

  • The old-timers knew how to pin wood together with mortise and tenon - These sashes are 135 years old. If you buy a modern new window, you may get 15-20 years. It is far cheaper to maintain.

    The old-timers knew how to pin wood together with mortise and tenon
    These sashes are 135 years old. If you buy a modern new window, you may get 15-20 years. It is far cheaper to maintain.

  • Closeup of an old sash where the paint is peeling letting in water which will lead to rot - If you see this on your windows, it is past time for maintenance

    Closeup of an old sash where the paint is peeling letting in water which will lead to rot
    If you see this on your windows, it is past time for maintenance

  • Deglazing closeup, manual method. Infrared Heat is much faster, but there is greater risk if breaking glass -

    Deglazing closeup, manual method. Infrared Heat is much faster, but there is greater risk if breaking glass
     

  • Old Cape Cod windows, west side of the house -

    Old Cape Cod windows, west side of the house
     

  • Close up of my favorite little Double Hung window from 1885 -

    Close up of my favorite little Double Hung window from 1885
     

  • Old glass reflects beautifully, in a way new glass simply doesn't -

    Old glass reflects beautifully, in a way new glass simply doesn't
     

  • Old sash during the -

    Old sash during the
     

  • Side channel with decomposed wood before treatment -

    Side channel with decomposed wood before treatment
     

  • Side channel with decomposed wood after treatment - Current technology gives us epoxy material that expands and contracts like wood

    Side channel with decomposed wood after treatment
    Current technology gives us epoxy material that expands and contracts like wood

  • Old cross piece (called muntin) desperately wanting hydration - Scrape off all the old wooden fibers to exposed solid wood, hydrate with boiled linseed oil / turpentine / Penetrol, and finish with several coats of varnish or shellac

    Old cross piece (called muntin) desperately wanting hydration
    Scrape off all the old wooden fibers to exposed solid wood, hydrate with boiled linseed oil / turpentine / Penetrol, and finish with several coats of varnish or shellac

  • This poor sash is crying for attention: 135 years of ocean exposure - With TLC, it will last for another century

    This poor sash is crying for attention: 135 years of ocean exposure
    With TLC, it will last for another century

  • Can you see the exterior glazing compound peeling away? - We use Sarco glazing compound, which has an old tried and true oil based formula . It seals the wood and glass together, and with 2 coats of primer and high grade exterior paint, will protect the wood from water, mildew/mold, and rot.

    Can you see the exterior glazing compound peeling away?
    We use Sarco glazing compound, which has an old tried and true oil based formula . It seals the wood and glass together, and with 2 coats of primer and high grade exterior paint, will protect the wood from water, mildew/mold, and rot.

  • Decomposed interior side of an old window with failed exterior caulking -

    Decomposed interior side of an old window with failed exterior caulking
     

  • Spring bronze channeled weather-stripping -

    Spring bronze channeled weather-stripping
     

  • Reflections in old glass by a staircase window -

    Reflections in old glass by a staircase window
     

  • Deglazing - remove old putty using elbow grease -

    Deglazing - remove old putty using elbow grease
     

  • The New House (circa 1885) on Pochet Island, East Orleans -

    The New House (circa 1885) on Pochet Island, East Orleans
     

  • Curing the glazing - like resting with a view! -

    Curing the glazing - like resting with a view!