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04 December 2012

Sash Windows And Wooden Window Restoration

By Chris Caldwell


If the elements have gotten the best of your wooden windows, they will now need restoring. This task is somewhat tedious, but not very difficult.

This is not a tough job, but you will need to put time aside for it. And it will not cost much for the materials to do the job.

If the frame and sills are worn and weathered due to the harsh elements of your area, whether it be extreme heat, moisture or cold, it is usually due to neglect from the last owner.

First clean off the wood with a damp rag. You may need to remove the old putty, so use a paint scraper or chisel to do this. Just scrape the putty off, remove any broken glass very carefully, and you may have to sand the bare wood in places, as well. This will make your finishing paint easier and smoother. Then paint primer will need to be put on the bare wood to hold your new putty more securely and for a longer time. Either water based primer or oil based is fine.

Measure the glass, and add 1/8 of an inch to the length and to the width for clearance. Your glass can be ordered from any home and building center.

When the primer is dry, install the glass. Start with a bead of putty, very thin in the groove where the glass will be. Then install it. You should use glazing points, strategically placed a couple of inches from the corners and on all sides, for more strength. Then putty around the glass and wood and press down to smooth it out neatly. Scrape off any excess. Now set the window aside for a couple of days to let the putty dry. Next it is time to tape the window glass to protect it from getting paint on it, and paint the wood of the window. And you are done.

So, if you are going to put forth your efforts into wooden window restoration, give thought to maintaining them from then on, as well. In this way, your future repairs will be less costly and time consuming.




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