Window Restoration from Start to Finish | This Old House
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- čas přidán 22. 01. 2021
- This Old House takes on restoring the old windows at the Belmont Victorian house. We show you the entire process from start to finish.
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Tom Silva and window restorer Dave Greenwood discuss the pros and cons of restoring old windows vs. buying new ones. Dave explains the restoration process and work begins to remove the windows. Then Dave Greenwood shows Norm Abram how he’s repairing the window pulley systems throughout the house. Norm pays a visit to the shop where the original windows are undergoing restoration. And finally, after Tom installs a new storm window, the original refurbished windows are installed.
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This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes-one step at a time-featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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Window Restoration from Start to Finish | This Old House
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I absolutely adored taking us through the whole journey here. I find these much easier to watch than whole episodes, but shorter clips often leave you wanting more! Perfect length imo.
I have a 120 year old house with all original window. There was never a question in my mind that I wasn't going to restore them. I had no idea how I was going to accomplish that, but that wasn't going to stop me. I did a lot of research and it's not as difficult as what you may think. It cost me pennies-on-the-dollar to reglaze, put new ropes in and make them energy efficient.
I just had this dilemma as well. I had 1990's marvin windows. not quiet historic, but my late father put them in himself and he always loved them. He also built the house It would have been cheaper for me to do a new construction window down high end vinyl. Probably would perform better 10 times better . I was about to order, but with covid delays I didn't, But then I realized, its my father's windows. WTF was I thinking. So we are restoring them, and trimming them out in a stained matching pine. It looks fantastic. Full wood window is the way to go. As my father would say, "Don't challenge the greatness" lol
See if there is a way of filling the dead space of the pully system with something. That is probably source of air leaks.
@@Kevin-mp5of Replacement windows is a falsehood that window salespersons tell consumers. A restored old window with a proper storm window is often just as efficient if not more so. And as Tommy said, cost is comparable. The issue I see in my neighborhood is that folks who replace with vinyl can't find the exact size necessary off the shelf. It is really sad to see a Victorian house with square replacement windows that they had to cut, reframe, and patch the rough opening to make it fit. All in the name of efficiency? If you have to rebuild the exterior walls of your house to get "energy efficient" windows, I question the cost/benefits. Great $$$ for the contractor, crappy for the homeowner.
Ansley Valentine modern replacement windows will never pay for themselves in energy savings. They will also likely devalue your house. Keep and restore originals wherever possible. With good draft proofing efficiency can be drastically improved, and you're saving the emissions and raw materials that would be produced / consumed producing new windows so it's actually the green option.
@@spencerwilton5831 I think you meant to tag someone else in the string. I made the exact same argument that you did: save and repair your old windows.
I live in a Victorian home built in 1910 and was planning to replace them with new Anderson windows. After watching this clip I will have them restored 😊
As long as you have an efficient furnace that is sized accordingly, you shouldn't have an issue with a lower R value of the original.
@@spikefivefivefive And if one has storm windows, that increases the R value of the original.
Lol, same! We were quoted $25,000 including a large bay window in our 1960s home. Think we're going the restoration route!
Same! Thank you TOH for many years of amazing content.
You guys should bring Dave along with you. I like Dave.
i wish I can find craftsman like this guy in my area.
“So it’s important that the counterweight and sash are no bigger than the mortise joint”. Old Window Expert, “can’t be”.
Gotta love the abrupt precision of a old dude. I aspire to this one day.
Just what I needed for encouragement to repair several of our broken sash cords!
Same here!
A lot of craftsmanship, great job! You cant compare old windows with new ones, they have a really nice touch.
Thank you so much! My 75-year-old windows need these fixes.
He was truly a master at his craft
I was fortunate to work in a house that was built and finished in 1906 and had a couple of Windows like this to take apart repair and put back together. It was slow and tedious but it was well worth it and I learned a bunch
The fact Dave's glasses are bedazzled are an excellent touch, given they're his face windows
So great to watch craftsmen at work
We love to see restoration of old windows. Well done Dave Greenwood!
Great video and overview of historic window restoration 👍
Wow this is amazing
Muchas gracias por compartir impresionante trabajo 😊
Fantastic job
David is a miracle worker
Who knew a single pane window is as energy efficient as a new double pane argon filled!! Great Tom
Was this irony? If so, I second the motion.
VERY TALENTED MEN HERE AMAZING WORK,
I think working for Dave would be awesome. No small talk straight to the point kinda dude.
Wow Dave is the man nice windows 🪟
Love Dave's bedazzled glasses!
Would like to see more of Dave Greenwood
Excelente!
Very interesting! I love old windows.
Dave you're a cool guy
This video was awesomely informative on restoring of older windows.. Is there information about restoring the sash that has been damaged by termites?
You won't have air leaking inside or out through the windows when they are finished. However it's only a single pane of glass which will let tons of heat and cold go through. If you bought a good replacement windows it might be the same price as restoring the old ones. However, the money you will save on energy bills with a new two or three pane window is worth it to get new.
That's what I was figuring. Of course, my windows are not as nice. Just the two single panes per window.
The most r-value you’ll get out of a window is generally around R3-4(double pane low E glass). The restored window will be R2. You’re better off insulating your walls and attic than replacing windows that seal properly.
@@bmingo2828 with low E you also have the coating on the glass that helps with heat as well. With a house that has 40 windows like this one does new windows would most definitely help.
@@SurpriseFox still I personally think that's way better than a single pane window. Double pain windows have gas in the middle like argon which helps insulate the windows. So it's definitely better.
@@bmingo2828 No, biggest heat loss or gain in any wall is the windows, by far. It will never be comfortable to sit by an old glass, single pane window on a cold day, no matter how much R is in the surrounding wall. A human body near by will radiate right through the glass into that cold sink and the human feels it immediately.
A modern multi glass window with composite insulated sashes is comfortable on a cold day.
Going to keep my old windows now. ..There should be a 'This Old House' University!
Good but wish you would have included more details, such a glazing product used, brand of sash rope, how to determine length of sash rope and other details that probably needed to be discussed but have I no idea what they are.
what about the heat loss from the weights cavity, and why he didnt lube the pulleys when they were removed
So kool
I'm now a follower of the Dukie Way
All that work to redo them and make them look great and couldn’t even relube or replace the pulley wheel so it wouldn’t squeak!
Painted a kitchen with chain pulley’s and I’m telling u it’s the move
12:30 That's unique. I've never seen a six-over-two window.
Would sure like to know what sort of magic was used to get the meeting rails to actually meet and seal. Also wish they would list sources for stuff like the bronze weather stripping they used. This Old House started out as "Sweat equity + a bit of professional advice = practical affordable housing". Now it's just a massive infomercial for top of the line suppliers, silk stocking contractors, and gimmicky homes for wealthy homeowners with more money than sense.
they never took the panes out.
they replaced the old weather stripping which fit into a groove of the windows with an inferior spring type and stapled it in.
no weather stripping on the meeting rail.
squeaky pulleys.
but yeahh master craftsmen.
At least I’m not the only one that saw how bad this guy is at the “craft”… he’s just another “craftsman” trying to make money and do less…. Poor quality of work from that guy
What is the "bronze cushing" installed on the window frames? I don't recall seeing that anywhere else.
1885 house up north in Quebec here. . about to fix a broken glass on one of these.. wish I could hire these guys to do the whole house! Can't even find someone to repair one! .. I did them myself but those guys are pros 👌
What if there is a gap at the bottom windowsill in front of the sash? ( ie a vertical gap) ? Sill needs extended towards the window.
I have a curved built in window already. Can I use this technique to cut out the broken piece and add a sliding window opening please? I won't be able to pull out the glass tho.
At 2 minutes Kevin acts like it's coming out of his own pocket lol... Good way to deter other homeowners from deciding to keep the old or get new ones
What's up with painting over the glass?
What do u use to sand and strip the old paint?
So what boat did Dave buy after this job?
I have 76! Most are 6 over 6 double hung.
Mine too. I don’t have that many though.
Any videos that show how to reglaze with WOOD?
Do you usually paint them right after glazing them or do you let the glazing cure some? I’ve hear of craftsmen waiting up to a couple weeks to paint after glazing. Windows turned out beautiful!
Remember this is a tv show not real time
With linseed oil putty you want to paint right away with linseed oil paint. Also you want to paint the opening with shellac before you put the glass in so the wood doesn’t soak up the oil.
@@missclimpsondid you bed the window pane in glaze and the outside after sealing the wood frame? Ty
Awesome video! Are they wearing that safety gear due to lead-based paint?
I'd bet not , if lead based the whole area would've been sealed .
What about treating/painting before glazing? Wont the glaze dryout and have to be replaced in a few years?
You can paint the opening with shellac which prevents the wood from absorbing the oil in the putty and gives it a longer life.
What about upgrading the single pane to double pane windows with the restoration?? Seems like that would be a good idea in my home state of Minnesota!! :) At least for my windows I think it will work. Anyone else have any experience doing it?
Couldn't the pulley wheel mechanism be replaced or at least greased?
Heard that too , sounded like my dad's wallet.
Top quality work right there. But if it was my house I would have just got triple glazed windows for maximum efficiency.
iShootBandits Heat loss through windows accounts for such a small percentage of the total in a period property it's rarely worth the additional expense of highly efficient windows - payback periods will be longer than the lifespan of the new windows. Plus, removing and replacing period windows could actually devalue your home. Here in the U.K. a Georgian or Victorian house with original windows in good / restored condition will be worth more than one with modern replacements, especially if those replacements don't replicate the originals in terms of materials and appearance.
@@spencerwilton5831 I do like the comment about single pane vs. efficient windows. We have some encasement windows in a 1954 home in Wisconsin (just purchased). If we look at and understand how to refurbish, won't even have to buy glass! Lights are starting to turn on more. Thanks for the informative comment above. Dave
@@dva1946-WpAppsForThathow did the windows turn out? What was your process
They made a huge mistake by spraying those sash. You can only get a long lasting finish by brush painting and lapping the paint a 1/16” on the glass to protect the putty from failing prematurely.
What you just the holes in the side of the house for 3 weeks?
So, this was posted in 2021 I think , can This Old House please give us an idea of the actual cost for full Reno treatment on that one window in the demo?
I have done windows like that in a historical house. It coast a homeowner a fortune. Restoration company charged $500 per sash that is $1000 per window. And that’s not even including labor. And in the end after installation windows were still getting a lot of draft and some sashes were not properly closing and opening due to paint.
Sounds like you, or your company did a bad job. People paint these incorrectly all the time. And a proper job doesn’t have drafts
@@jasony9950 old windows are Not energy efficient unless you live in warmer climate
@@epiccarpenterpro Again, what is the payback in years? We're 75 so that dog won't hunt on return. If the wind does not blow in (if done properly), probably a better choice to stay single pane. Thanks for letting me give my opinion. Dave
Thanks, I'm currently putting plastic inside to stop any drafts during winter months. I wouldn't mind taking the time to redo each window. I also have storm windows but they don't stop the drafts. Perhaps I need to make sure they are all screwed tight and caulk them. I will be searching youtube for that as well.
Don't screw storm windows on , may need an emergency exit.
Everyone, stay clear of vinyl windows for old houses and don’t listen to some of the people on the comments. Uneducated people who Don’t understand history of homes or old
Homes in general. No old home
Should have vinyl windows that need replaced every 15 years. There’s a reason why these windows last 100+ years
Whoa, sanding the lead paint off? I’d steam those windows and scrape them.
While wearing masks!! Safety first ;)
I see and understand what was done to restore the windows. Now the question is "does the house have storm windows or as it is old no winterization was considered"?
It must have storm windows if the house is in the northern states.
A project in Baltimore is “saving” all the original 100 + year old windows for $4,000.00 each
Great video as always. When they spray paint the windows how do they get the paint off the glass without damaging the putty bead? Thanks
I always oil prime 1st; before any glazing starts. all of the wood - keeps the h2o out.
He said they mask the glass. It’s a clear coat that peels off when they’re done. They showed it on another painting tricks episode.
@@hpain6261 The best stuff ever. Fixing up my niece's house over a year ago with several sets of French doors. If we would have had to tape them off we'd still be there. I don't remember the brand name but the product was called liquid mask.
The problem with the liquid mask in this application (on the outside of the window) is that cutting the mask away also cuts away the paint seal, creating a trap for water and fungal spores to enter. This might not be a problem up north, but down here in Florida, we get more work from painters using liquid mask than almost any other source
I have old windows like that it's real fun opening them the weights have been detached so it's open the window and quickly get a wooden dowel under it be careful or your hand will get hurt.
Well now you see how easy it is to put the weights back
Drill a hole I the tracks on both sides and put in a dowel hole. Just like the shelf pins in a cabinet. Your welcome
Can you change a 6 pane sash window into a 1 pane sash window removing all the small six panes? would appreciate some advise - thanks
Seen it done but doesn't look right.
If this took weeks to complete what was used to cover the window openings?
Plywood
Storm windows
Plywood or plexi can be used but in this case it appears the existing storms were used
Anyone know what that bronze sealing/slide guide is called that they installed is called, or where to go buy it. I've got some 123 year old windows I plan to start on soon.
It's some type of weatherstripping. I do know the name though. How's your project going?
I have vintage windows is it cheaper to Restore or buy new ones with the same design.
Won't find new with vintage design.
Does anyone know someone who does this in Colorado?
Where do I find a "Dave"? I want to re-caulk my 100+ windows which have working chains - they were each taken apart over 45 year ago and restored. They work but the outside caulking needs to be redone and all the storm windows replaced. Some of them rattle so they need stops? installed. What vinyl window is still working after 100 years! I live in central New Jersey..Thanks
I'm sure he's in Boston area. His company name is on his shirt I believe
My 75-year-old windows have the loveliest stepped (for lack of a better word) muntins - people don't realize that they have a function: to reflect more light into the house.
I'm all for mahogany windows, but would LOVE to know reasoning behind keeping single pane. Does turn of the century look have to mean turn of the century energy efficiency? It is possible to convert single-pane into double-pane (with the same frame). No experience here, just a lot of online research. Double pane is said to improve energy efficiency (or, rather, heating/cooling energy consumption) by up to 25%. For a 40 window house, it seems like it would make a difference.
That's the sales pitch but over 60% or more energy loss is other than windows so 25% of the 40% is 10 % savings for a 25 year window. Each new window costs say $ 3000 installed for 10 windows is $ 30,000 . How long to save that much ?
Can just anyone purchase this type of brass weather stripping? I couldn’t tell, was it the compression style or the kind that fits in a groove in the window? Also, are the side of the jams and stops left unpainted? I know that paint ends up being the enemy of an old window functioning well especially since paint often gets on the cord. Thanks for any answers.
Only the fronts get paint. Tops, bottoms and sides stay unpainted so the wood can breath and dry out when necessary.
@@LUCKYLADY000000 Should the wood be protected in some way? What about the jams? Stops not painted, correct. I’m planning on stripping and reconditioning my 100 year old windows and I want to paint I correctly.
Older windows with original storms are very energy efficient no matter what the window companies are trying to tell you. My heat bill is much lower than my house I had before this with all brand new windows. These beautiful magnificent Windows have served this house for a hundred and twenty years and hopefully they will serve them for another hundred and twenty. Can you say that about new windows? Thank you for saving the windows!!!
They really aren't but windows are only one part of a house. You can't compare 2 houses on windows alone, a lot comes into heat loss and windows are only a part of that.
Ugh, let me rephrase that for you Karen. "I'm more interested in aesthetic value of my house than trying to do my part in helping save the planet". I'm sure your 'original' windows look great. I just hope that is enough to justify your part in destroying the future habitability of this precious ecosystem.
@@davidbrydon3969 Let's do a little thought experiment. I know this will be difficult for you, since it doesn't seem like thinking is your strong suit. You have 100 year old windows that, when restored, are maybe not as efficient as replacement windows, but are still close. Now they're in a position to last another 100 years or so, no reason to think they wouldn't. Let's compare that to an old house that has had replacement windows installed. The lifespan of a modern replacement window is about 15 years, if they're decent. Much less for cheap ones, more for expensive ones. Let's be generous, and say 25 years. Also, your replacement windows are made of vinyl, typically, a petroleum product which is environmentally detrimental to produce, and can't be recycled. Which of these homeowners will have less impact on the environment? The homeowner who spends a few more dollars a year on heating and cooling costs? Or the ones who take out the wood, throw it in a landfill, replace with environmentally terrible replacement windows? Then take THOSE windows out in a few years, keeping in mind that they can't be recycled and aren't biodegradable, throw those in a landfill, and then repeat that process at least 2 more times after that?
Better to restore it than to throw it away, like most modern americans would do nowadays.
Kevin The cost of new windows is never offset by the energy savings. Even the window companies will admit that if pushed. Sure, there is a heat loss associated with windows, but in an older property it's only a small fraction of the total. A typical British Victorian era property might cost £1000 a year to heat. Ten percent is lost through original windows. That's £100. You might reduce that to £50 by replacing the windows. That's a £50 a year saving vs £10,000 plus for new windows. Which means it would take 200 years to save the cost of replacing the windows. Given that modern windows actually only last a fraction of that its a pointless waste of money. Not to mention original windows add value to your house and make it more saleable, modern replacements unless they are exact, accurate replicas will devalue your house.
Anyone know where to get the bronze strips? Is it just cotton cording for the weights and pullies? The mahogany strips: sounds exotic:) Possible to use other woods, I am sure…but are they precut or was this likely custom? Thank you for any help. I really want to redo the wood windows in our house, but need help with the “know how”. Thank you!
Don’t follow this guy. Poor craftsmanship. It’s Called spring bronze, there’s different types for different sealing surfaces. Just research which style would work for your window. It’s hard to tell in the video but it looks like it’s a channel type which the window would have to have that channel in it… the mahogany is probably used because it’s a hard wood and has more oil than other woods like pine. Won’t stick much but just stick to what your windows are made out of and wax the wood. Should be fine. Not precut and very simple to measure and cut on site. Check out other videos of actual craftsmen for these windows… stay clear of these guys
Would like to see someone make traditional windows like this with nonpowered hand tools. Manual power
That would be something to see , someone in Texas makes new 100 year wood windows with specially chosen woods and glass but I'm sure worked with power tools.
They skipped over the brass weather stripping. It looked like they made them to fit in the sash's groove.
I get appeal of old windows but they aren't as good as windows today.
Did all that work on the window and then left in the old squeaky wheels
Couple drops of oil. keep org pulleys
Nice craftsmanship. How do they get single pane old glass past code in MA? Tight insulation on the sides alone won’t do.
@@Kevin-mp5of Historic windows get a code pass up in MASS? Im fine with an owner wanting to keep 150 yo glass if thats what they like; Id just prefer that Tommy and ToH acknowledge old, single pane glass has a heat loss - gain problem that equates to $$, and the modern windows are more comfortable, keep noise out too,.
Mark Heslep is there an obligation to bring things up to code in the US? In the U.K. obviously regulations have tightened massively over the years, but there is nothing stopping you from retaining what's already there. There are millions of Victorian and Georgian homes with original windows, and thank god there is no requirement to replace them- it would be ridiculous to do so.
@@spencerwilton5831 There's no obligation to bring a sitting structure up to modern code ... so far. Building codes are triggered for new construction ... and for major remodeling . The code trigger for the latter varies among states and counties.
@@spencerwilton5831 There are some groups that are pushing to have all old existing structures brought up to insulation code. A significant part of the energy per capita use difference in the US vs the rest of the OECD is due to i) the US started the single family housing and large office build out much earlier than the rest of the world (see eg the Empire State Building 1930, tallest in the world for 40 years) with the leaky methods of those times, and ii) had no domestic wars to level it all, starting over modern. Right now, the US-World energy gap is slowing closing as the old building infrastructure is only turned over with new construction.
@@spencerwilton5831 If you add new structure, or demo old structure and replace, then you have to go to code. General remodel, no. Any electrical and plumbing change is supposed to be to code, but no inspection unless major remodel.
So, these have storms, no?
I've been wanting to do this but can't find anyone who will. 😭
I would if i were anywhere near… been working maintenance and general construction for years
You can even do it yourself its not that hard to do even its kinda sloppy grazing and painting can be undone and its a lot easier and less money to spend than hiring someone
They got lucky. My pulleys weren’t removable and there were no pockets for the weights access.
Your weight access is probably through the front window opening trim.
Looks nice, but they didn't oil the pulleys. Such an easy step to do. That squeaking sound was driving me crazy!
"This is all mahogany." NBD
Looks like they didn't change all the ropes
I replaced lots of those sash cords, they do not last 100 years, often no longer then 7. The chains last forever.
Could be the wrong cordage or an unknown wear point.
Dear lord put a little grease on those pullies .
forget removing the pulley. just use a lead mouse to snake it through
what is a lead mouse?
Never sand lead paint , bare wood that was painted still has lead paint! He spread lead paint over the building and his shop!
I've done several old windows like this, no matter how well it's done they're just not as efficient as a modern window with the big spaces for the weights.
Didnt even oil the pulleys.
Did not show the Masking process. The tech was applying the glazing fast, and not how most do it . A little more camera time and a small interview would have helped too. Incomplete instruction again. I saw Norm and the old masonry guy throw away 200 year old brick from a chimney when all they needed to do is was to flip the brick and use the other side. old brick do not have 2 different looking surfaces
Damaged bricks should never be flipped, but replaced. Once the seal is broken they begin to deteriorate. Even bricks on the inside of a home absorb water. If the seal is broken they will deteriorate at a greater rate. Bricks are not that expensive to replace so once a damaged brick is taken out just put a new one in.
Miss Molly loves TOH !
Window restoration from start to finish "in 13 min".
Hard to find contractors period, window restoration contractors also.🤷♀️
It'll look great but no matter what you do to it, it'll never be anywhere close to as effected l efficient as a modern window. Being airtight is only 1 factor of efficiency
Old houses are not designed to be airtight. And I you are concerned about the windows being drafty, an interior storm window will get you fairly close to airtight without ruining the character of your old house.
You mean the windows that are made of plastic and thin glass with Salesman gimmicks? You mean the windows that the person “upgrading” your windows is the same person Installing them and making a profit? You mean the same windows that last 10-20 years before needing replaced? If you’re worried about efficiency I would look more into the walls, attic and floors before the windows.
Studies prove otherwise. Research.