How Homeowners With Historic Properties Can Save Their Original Windows by Restoring Them Rather Than Buying New Ones

Restoring your original windows is a wonderful alternative, allowing you to preserve the charm of your historic home – Save big by restoring historic windows.

When it comes to owning a historic home, one of the many cherished features that give it character and authenticity is the original windows. These windows may hold timeless beauty and craftsmanship, yet they often suffer from wear and tear due to age, weathering, and years of neglect. As a homeowner, it may be tempting to replace them with newer, energy-efficient windows to improve insulation and aesthetic appeal. However, restoring your original windows is a wonderful alternative, allowing you to preserve the charm of your historic home while also saving money.

Also, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) often have strict guidelines when it comes to maintaining the architectural integrity of a neighborhood, especially in communities with historic or traditional homes. As a result, many HOAs will not approve replacement windows unless they are made of wood, and this can be costly. This is because wood windows are often seen as more in keeping with the original design and aesthetic of the home, helping to preserve the character of the neighborhood. While modern materials like vinyl or aluminum may offer benefits in terms of energy efficiency and maintenance, they are sometimes viewed as inconsistent with the historic charm of the property. Homeowners looking to replace or restore their windows may find that choosing wood windows is the only option approved by the HOA.

In this blog, we will guide you through the steps for restoring your original windows, from the critical things to avoid, such as pressure washing, to detailed instructions for scraping, sanding, priming, re-glazing, and applying new paint. While this may sound like an extensive process, it is often far more cost-effective and rewarding than opting for new windows. Let’s explore how to achieve a window restoration that will enhance the value and beauty of your historic property.

1. Why Pressure Washing Is a Big No-No

Before diving into the restoration process, let’s discuss one common mistake many homeowners make—using a pressure washer on windows. Pressure washers may seem like a quick solution to strip away old paint, but they can do more harm than good, particularly with older windows.

Pressure Can Damage Seals: The primary risk of pressure washing is that the force of the water can damage the window seals, leading to air and water leaks. This compromises the energy efficiency of the windows and could ultimately result in more costly repairs down the line.

Damage to Wood and Glass: Pressure washing can also damage the wood frames and trim. The risk of glass breaking is also high when subjected to pressure, particularly if it has already weakened with age.

What You Should Do Instead: If you want to clean your windows after you have completed the project, use glass cleaner or soap and water and a garden hose with low pressure. This will avoid damaging the seals and materials while still achieving a clean surface.

2. Removing Old Paint from Windows

The restoration process begins with the removal of any old, chipped, or peeling paint. Over the years, layers of paint may accumulate on the window frame and sills, and some of it may have begun to deteriorate.

Start with making sure you wear an approved mask:  When scraping old windows that may contain lead-based paint, it is crucial to wear an approved mask. The 3M N100 lead paint removal disposable respirator (valved) is a fine choice, or you may opt for the 3M P100 multi-purpose half-face respirator pro-series. You must protect yourself from inhaling harmful lead dust or fumes. Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure. These masks are designed to filter out fine particles and prevent inhalation of toxic substances. In addition to wearing a mask, it’s also recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and take other precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and gloves, to minimize the risk of lead contamination during the restoration process.

Scraping: Begin by carefully scraping away the old paint with a paint scraper. Be gentle to avoid gouging the wood. Work in small sections, taking care not to damage the surrounding surfaces.

Sanding for Smoothness: After scraping, use sandpaper (preferably 80-grit or 150-grit) to smooth the surface and remove any remaining paint. Sanding also helps to create a better surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Focus on the areas where the paint was removed most heavily, ensuring that the surface is even and smooth. You want to blend the edges as best as possible.

3. Sanding and Priming the Window Frames

Once the paint has been removed, you’ll need to prepare the window frames for new layers of paint. Remember, properly sanding and priming the wood is essential for a smooth finish and long-lasting durability.

Spot Priming: The next step is to spot-prime any bare wood using a high-quality exterior primer. Do not apply the primer too thick or it will fail. One even coat of primer with a couple of brush strokes to seal the bare wood is all you need. Clean up and let the primer dry for the time specified by the manufacturer of the primer.

4. Using Auto Body Filler to Fix Minor Damage

Once you have spot-primed the bare wood and allowed the primer to dry, it’s time to move on to the filler. Over time, window frames and sills can develop minor damage, such as cracks, voids, or dents. If left untreated, these imperfections can worsen, compromising the structural integrity of your windows. A highly effective solution for repairing these issues is auto body filler.

Two-part auto body filler is a durable and versatile material, typically used for restoring metal surfaces, but it can also be applied to wood windows to repair minor damage and reshape moldings. This filler consists of a resin and hardener, which, when mixed, form a strong, sandable surface. It can be shaped to match the original contours of the wood, allowing you to rebuild the surface and restore its integrity.

Important Note: When applying the filler, avoid applying it too thick, as this will create extra work during the sanding process.

Once the filler has been applied, allow it to cure completely before moving on to the sanding stage.

After the filler has fully cured, use medium grit sandpaper to smooth the surface, ensuring that the repaired area is flush with the surrounding wood. This will help the repair blend seamlessly with the rest of the window frame. Sanding the filler properly is key to achieving a smooth, uniform finish.