How to Restore Your Historical Window

If you are reading this post, you may be looking for tips on how to repair a historical window. If you have a historical house built more than a century ago, then you no doubt have windows that have seen better days. This may be the reason you are currently reading this post, or you may simply want to determine whether or not a window is worth repairing versus replacing entirely. If the damage is minor then there are a few things you can do to repair the window at home, but there are also a few situations that you should leave up to the professionals. First, let’s look at how you can determine the damage of your window, and then let’s look at whether or not you should attempt to fix it. 

DETERMINE THE WINDOW TYPE:

As with any project, knowing the type and material of the thing you are working with is especially important in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Often the damage may be reversed if a person knows the material they are working with. Historical windows may be made entirely from wood and nails, or they may include various types of steel for added strength. It’s also important to note that the wood used in historical windows is almost definitely different from the wood used in newer windows. 

DETERMINE THE STATE OF DAMAGE:

Before you start on repairing the damage, you must determine the state of the damage of the window you are working with. This requires some effort, as some of the damage may be internal. Some things to look for:

• Damaged Hardware

• Chipped Wood

• Glass Damage                                     

• Dampness                                                                  

• Holes

• Exterior and Interior Mold

Note before you continue with the repair process that most historic windows were made to last; therefore, they were made to be repaired. However, the materials used may not be readily available to you. In fact, it may be more cost-effective and logical to replace the window entirely. Of course, it may be worth the extra money to you to keep the historical window for sentimental or aesthetic value. Before starting any repairs, consider having a professional look over the window, in order to preserve the historical integrity of the window. 

HOW TO REPAIR EACH ISSUE:

The first step to repairing any part of the window is deciding whether you should remove the window from the wall. Most windows made at least a century ago are made custom for the house, and cannot be removed without considerably increasing the workload and cost. However, as previously mentioned—historical windows were made to last and to be repaired. If the need does arise to remove the window entirely it is best to reach out to a professional. If you can fix the window without removal, this is preferable.

How to Fix Damaged Hardware:

Materials Needed: nails, a hammer, a screwdriver, wood stain or paint, tape, and caulk

Replace any removable or missing nails. Be careful when replacing, as the nails could be the only thing keeping the window together. Check for dampness or wet spots and caulk as needed. You may need to repaint or stain the entire frame if you replace damaged nails. Make sure to tape the edges of the glass to keep the stain or paint from affecting the glass. 

How to Fix Dampness and Wet Spots:

Materials Needed: window caulk, painting tape, and gentle cleaning supplies (i.e. water, baking soda, glass cleaner, etc.)

Any identifiably wet or damp areas on the window are most likely caused from condensation from areas that are not properly insulated. Remove old caulk if applicable. Clean the window thoroughly, and check for mold or mildew (see instructions below). Tape the edges of the glass. Reapply caulking. And finally, add window stain or paint if necessary. 

Exterior and Interior Mold:

Materials Needed: a rag, vinegar, baking Soda, and bleach Solution 

Mold can be identified and dealt with, but there are a few precautions you should take. At the very least, wear gloves and protective eyewear and a mask. Ventilate the room with fresh air, if possible, as well. Note that exterior mold is considerably easier to deal with, especially if the mold is actually mildew. If your mold is just mildew or exterior mold, simply apply any of the top solutions, and allow it to sit for a few minutes. After, wipe away with water. Repeat as needed. 

(Note: Never use bleach or products with bleach with anything other than water, because mixing the chemicals could create a toxic gas. Try any of the top ingredients on a small area before applying it to the entire affected area. It may change the color or ruin the material of the window.)

If you’re dealing with interior mold, it’s best to call in a professional. You’ll need to replace as much of the frame as is affected by the mold; however, a professional may be able to salvage more wood to help keep the window’s historical integrity. 

As you’re dealing with the molded window, be careful as some types of deep set mold are highly toxic to humans. Black mold is especially detrimental to your overall physical health. If you do end up contacting a professional, it may be best to call window experts rather than mold removal agencies. As many mold removal agencies do not deal with such small affected areas. 

Glass Damage:

If you clean the glass thoroughly, but there are still spots that are entirely uncleanable with home products or if there is any breakage, it is best to call a professional to replace the glass. This may save you money on removing the entire window, and adding more damage to the structure of the wall itself. Additionally, a professional will be able to match the new glass to the existing historical glass much better.

Conclusion

While it may be hard to admit defeat, sometimes a window is beyond repair and must be replaced. Or, it may be safer to defer the task to a professional. It is essential to do your research on different professional offerings in your area before hiring someone to deal with the window. In addition, be sure to check if your house is a part of a historical society or comes with a set of rules on what you can change. These rules may affect who you can call to fix certain issues with your windows. If you’ve read this post and are feeling more confident about repairing your window yourself, be sure to get quality supplies and to watch lots of YouTube videos before you tackle this project.

{For more information on how to fix mold issues check out our blog page for more information}