Jammed sashes, broken glass, or missing hardware can usually be repaired, and antique windows offer craftsmanship and curb appeal that modern units lack. As a wood window restoration company, Apex Window Werks always recommends repair over replacement windows and has compiled this useful guide on restoring old windows.
Restoring old windows is often more economical and maintains historic character than full replacement. Below is a realistic cost/time comparison.
Project Planning & Cost Estimates
Before diving into window restoration, understanding the realistic investment helps you make informed decisions and plan effectively:
Planning Factor | Details | Cost/Time |
---|---|---|
DIY Time Investment | Complete restoration per window | 16-20 hours (2-3 weekends) |
Material Cost | Supplies needed per window | $50-$200 |
Professional Alternative | Hiring restoration specialists | $1,000-$2,000 per window |
Tool Investment | One-time purchase for multiple windows | $150-$300 |
Best Season | Optimal working conditions | Spring/summer |
Weather Consideration | Why timing matters | Warm weather prevents wood warping |
What You’ll Need to Restore Old Wood Windows
Tools and materials you’ll need when rebuilding old windows include:
Item | Purpose | Cost |
---|---|---|
Heat Gun | Paint removal | $40-60 |
Putty Knives (1″, 2″, 3″) | Glazing/scraping | $15-25 |
Glass Scraper | Cleaning old glazing | $8-12 |
Orbital Sander | Surface prep | $50-80 |
Pry Bar Set | Trim removal | $20-30 |
Pliers (needle-nose) | Glazing pin removal | $10-15 |
HEPA Vacuum | Dust collection | $200-300 |
Glazing Compound | Glass sealing (Sarco Type M) | $15-25/window |
Glazing Points | Glass retention (#2 diamond) | $3-5/window |
Wood Filler | Repairs (Bondo exterior grade) | $10-15/window |
Sandpaper | Surface prep (40, 80, 120, 240 grit) | $10-15/window |
Paint Primer | Base coat (oil-based exterior) | $15-20/window |
Window Paint | Finish coat (high-quality enamel) | $20-30/window |
Mineral Spirits | Cleaning/cleanup | $5-8/window |
Paint Stripper | Paint removal (if needed) | $15-20/window |
Your total investment in old window restoration will be around:
- Tools (one-time): $343-522
- Materials (per window): $98-163
Repairing your original wood windows preserves historic character while cutting long-term energy costs. If you’re inexperienced, get a free consultation and trust your repair to Apex Window Werks to ensure a safe, durable result.
or call us(847) 557-9600
Lead Safety Requirements
For homes built before 1978 there are some mandatory precautions:
- Equipment: N100 respirator, safety goggles, coveralls, nitrile gloves, HEPA vacuum.
- Containment: 10-foot plastic perimeter, seal HVAC vents, and contain work area.
- Work practices: Work “wet” to reduce dust, never eat/drink/smoke in the area.
- Cleanup: Shower after work, wash clothes separately, and damp-clean all tools.
- Never use: Grinders, sanders, high-heat tools without HEPA collection.
Antique Window Restoration Steps
Follow these steps to restore an old wooden window frame:
Step 0: Assessment and Preparation
To determine if your existing windows need to be replaced or require repairs, consider inspecting for damage: broken caulk seals, rotted wood, chipped or cloudy glass, cracked panes, failing mechanisms (stuck or won’t lock), or separated glazing.
If there is major damage, hire a local window replacement company. For minor repairs, it’s best to wait until spring or summer when warm, dry conditions help prevent wood warping and ensure better paint adhesion.
Step 1. Remove Glazing Putty and Pins
Using the tools listed above, soften existing glazing putty with a heat gun, then scrape off all putty with putty knives. Remove glazing pins with needle-nose pliers. This preserves each glass pane for safe extraction.
Step 2. Extract and Protect Glass Panes
Once glazing is cleared, tap each pane at the corners and lift it out of the sash using suction cups or edge grips. Label, wrap, and store panes flat in protective crates to prevent chips or cracks.
Step 3. Remove Flaking or Lead-Based Paint
Use appropriate low-dust tools — such as a HEPA-equipped vacuum-assisted scraper or infrared heat gun — to lift loose paint without generating dust. Identify any remaining stubborn coatings and apply a commercial-grade chemical stripper as needed. Ensure containment and protective gear are in place (per Lead Safety Requirements).
Step 4. Repair or Replace Damaged Wood
Inspect frames and sashes for rot, cracks, or structural damage. For small cracks or shallow gouges, press in high-strength wood filler; for moderate rot, inject a two-part epoxy; and for severely damaged areas, install custom-milled wood inserts matching the original profile. Sand all repairs flush using the orbital sander and sanding blocks.
Step 5. Restore Jamb Channels and Weather-Stripping
Clear old caulk and debris from jamb channels, then prime bare wood surfaces. Install new weather-stripping to improve energy efficiency and airtight seals. Test-fit each sash to confirm unobstructed movement before proceeding.
Step 6. Sand and Smooth All Surfaces
Progressively sand all surfaces — starting with 80-grit, then 120-grit, and finishing with 240-grit — using the orbital sander and handheld sanding blocks. This multi-stage sanding removes any filler or primer burrs and creates a smooth surface for painting.
Step 7. Final Cleaning and Surface Prep
After sanding, vacuum all surfaces thoroughly and wipe them down with mineral spirits to remove dust, oils, and contaminants. Inspect corners, rabbet edges, and repaired areas to ensure no debris remains before priming.
Step 8. Prime with High-Performance Sealant
Apply a premium oil-based wood primer to all bare, filled, and epoxied areas, sealing knots and stabilizing the substrate. Once fully dry, perform a light 240-grit sanding to knock down raised grain and establish an even base for the topcoat.
Step 9. Topcoat Application
Using exterior-grade enamel paint or custom-matched stain, apply two uniform coats by brush or spray. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks, and lightly sand with 240-grit between coats to eliminate nibs. This yields a durable, weather-resistant finish.
Step 10. Glaze, Seal, and Secure Glass
After paint has cured (24-48 hours), bed each pane in a thin, uniform bead of glazing putty. Press the glass into the putty bed and secure it with corrosion-resistant glazing points every 10-12″. Tool the putty to a 45° bevel for water shedding, trim excess, and clean glass surfaces.
Step 11. Restore or Replace Hardware
Boil hinges, sash lifts, pulleys, and locks in a cleaning solution to loosen old paint, then polish with steel wool or a wire brush. Lubricate moving parts — such as pulley bearings and balance springs — with light machine oil. Replace any corroded or broken components with OEM-grade replicas.
Step 12. Reassemble and Final Inspection
Reassemble windows in this order:
- Top sash (attach rope or spiral balance to the weight)
- Parting bead
- Bottom sash
- Interior stops (leave a 1/16″ clearance for proper sash movement)
Finally, inspect for smooth operation, tight seals, and flawless finish quality. Address any binding or gaps before concluding the project.
Restoring Old Windows DIY vs. Hiring a Pro vs. Replacement
When deciding how to deal with aging or damaged windows, homeowners are typically faced with three options: restore them yourself, hire a professional, or replace them entirely. Each path comes with its own costs, lifespan expectations, and ideal use cases.
Option | Cost Range | Lifespan | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
DIY Restoration | $115-185/window | 50+ years | Handy homeowners, multiple windows |
Professional Restoration | $1,000-2,000/window | 50+ years | Complex repairs, historic accuracy |
Window Replacement | $300-1,500/window | 15-30 years | Severely damaged windows |
If you want to save money and preserve the beauty of your home, restoration may be the better long-term choice. Still, for complex repairs, hiring window restoration specialists can ensure lasting results.
Deciding Between DIY and Professional Restoration? Restore with Confidence!
Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner or prefer the assurance of expert craftsmanship, Apex Window Werks is here to help you protect your investment and preserve your home’s timeless appeal. Our team delivers historically accurate, energy-efficient restorations that last for decades.
Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you choose the smartest path forward — beautiful results guaranteed.
FAQ
What unexpected costs should I budget for during restoration?
How often do professionally restored windows need maintenance?
Can I upgrade window hardware while maintaining the historic appearance?
What permits do I need for window restoration projects?
What if I discover my window glass is antique or historically significant?
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