To restore old historic windows to their original appearance and function, RH Restore implements certain steps and procedures. While each project will differ depending on the requirements and goals, here is a general outline of RH Restore’s well developed method in restoring windows.
For wood windows, the first step is removing the window(s) from the actual frame of the house or building. Once removed, the window is stripped to bare wood if varnished or stained. If not varnished or stained, the window will go through a sanding instead of a stripping process. After the old paint is stripped or sanded, parts of the window, including lower and upper sashes that are rotten or deteriorated, are either completely replaced with custom historic wood work or patched. If patching is required, RH Restore utilizes its own custom mixture of epoxy that is mixed to different viscosities depending on the needs of the window. Our epoxy restoration technique and skills ensures that the window will be properly restored, structurally as well as aesthetically. After replacement or restoration, the windows’ weight chains or ropes are either replaced or repaired. The window springs and hardware are also either replaced or repaired at this point. If the window has broken glass it will be replaced, if not, the existing glass’ glaze is repaired. Upon customer request, at this stage we are also able to replace the glass with double-insulated or sound-insulated glass. Once replacement or repairs are done, the window is ready to be either painted or stained and varnished.
For metal historic windows, the first step will be removing the window(s) from the actual frame of the house or building just as with wood windows. Then, the window is sandblasted to remove old and deteriorated paint. Once sandblasting is complete, parts of the window that are broken or deteriorated are replaced with new custom parts which will be welded in. After the replacement of parts of the window, the window hardware can be either replaced or polished. If the window has broken glass it is replaced and if not the existing glass’ glaze is repaired. As with wood windows, double-insulated or sound-insulated glass can be installed as well upon request by the customer. After repairs, the window is powder-coated with new paint.
