If your beautiful wood windows are malfunctioning but are not quite ready to replace them, window reconditioning may be the perfect solution. You do not have to sacrifice wood windows’ warmth and classic aesthetics just because they need work.
Whether you live in a historic residence or a traditional home, do your old wood windows hesitate when you open them? Are they tough to clean or damaged? You may think window replacement is your only option, but that may not be true!
Wood windows can be reconditioned and restored, and when professionals do the work, you are sure to get positive results.
How Window Reconditioning Improves Your Wood Window Function
Your windows will work properly again
The pros will modify your window’s side rails to accommodate custom-made jambs (the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame) with weather stripping and insulation. The result?
- Your windows will open and close easily again.
- You will not have to tolerate chilly drafts seeping through your windows each winter and causing your utility bills to skyrocket.
- The amount of outside noise that infiltrates your home will decrease so you can better enjoy your home’s atmosphere.
Cleaning your windows will be much easier than it was in the past
Old windows are tough to clean, particularly on the second floor! Most old windows do not tilt in, leaving you with no choice but to either leave them dirty or take the unwanted risks of climbing a ladder to get to your second-floor windows. Ladder falls account for thousands of emergency room visits annually, so it is not worth the risk.
When wood windows are reconditioned, they will have an up-to-date tilt-in feature that will make cleaning a breeze. You will love the convenience and the results!
They will look stunning again
If the wood makeup of your windows is in reasonable shape, its blemishes can be reconditioned so your windows look fabulous again. The pros will fill in holes and cracks. Damaged hardware will be replaced for your home’s security, and window frames can be sanded and refinished.
5 Tips on Restoring Historic Wood Windows
This time-consuming process is a tedious job, but the results are enduring! After all, if your period-specific home’s original windows have lasted this long, why not do the work they require to help them continue to serve their purpose well? Here are some of our top tips on the process:
1. Do not wait too long to have your windows restored and reconditioned.
The longer you wait to attend to your historic home’s damaged or failing windows, the bigger the job will be to repair and recondition them. Do not neglect them. Procrastinating the need to attend to your windows is not a good solution. It is a risk that most homeowners cannot afford to take.
2. Begin with the needed repairs.
Splintered or broken window pieces will be repaired. Rusted or damaged hardware will be removed and replaced.
3. If wood rot is part of the problem, do not worry.
When wood windows start absorbing moisture instead of resisting it, wood rot can result. Just because you see wood rot does not mean it cannot be fixed. Epoxy fillers are designed for wood window restoration, bringing a welcomed renewal to your windows.
4. Continue by restoring your window frames.
Window frames must be sanded as little as possible so the frame’s pieces still fit together well. Sanding will get rid of nicks and imperfections. Sanding by hand is done if the window has a lot of details. Before painting or staining the frame, it will need to be vacuumed to remove dust from the sanding. Next, mineral spirits should be used to clean the area. The window glass should be taped off with painter’s tape to protect it from stains.
The window should be primed or pre-stained first. Let the pre-stain dry, and then stain your window frame. This ensures your frame will resist moisture intrusion.
5. The best time of year for window restoration is spring or summer.
Cold, damp Minnesota winters can cause wood window frames to swell, leading to issues. And if the window glass needs to be removed and replaced, spring or summer are the ideal time of year to do that.
Advantages of Professional Wood Window Restoration
Restoring old wood windows can be complicated, particularly if they are damaged. Hiring the pros simplifies the process for you and delivers the desired results.
The pros are experienced in wood window restoration.
At Beissel Window & Siding, we understand the complexities of restoring a historic home. If you feel overwhelmed by the rules and requirements of getting permission to restore your windows, we can help. We have years of experience in getting approval through the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC).
Enjoy the positive results of reconditioning.
We’ll ensure you get the desired results and preserve the historic integrity of your home while honoring the guidelines outlined for historic homes.
The work will align with the procedures outlined by the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Our products are consistently approved by the HPC, giving homeowners confidence in the restoration process.
Reliable Window Reconditioning and Restoration for Your Twin Cities Home
You may be an avid DIY adventurer when it comes to remodeling your home, and that is great, but when it comes to wood window reconditioning, you will be glad you left it to an experienced team. Save time and hassles by calling Beissel Window & Siding for your window restoration project. We recondition and restore your St. Paul or Minneapolis area home’s windows onsite—in your home. We take the necessary precautions to protect your property while using our specialized equipment to restore your windows.
Learn more about our window reconditioning services.