Antique or historic windows need extra special care to keep them operating at peak performance over the years. By performing regular inspections and repairs, you can help keep your old windows in good condition and operating as smoothly as possible. Your home’s windows are an important part of the character of your house, so give them the attention they deserve with these five helpful tips.
Problems on old windows can easily go unnoticed, unless you’re inspecting them on a regular basis. And small problems quickly become big problems when neglected. When you’re inspecting your windows, look for issues both inside and out.
Inspect for problems like peeling paint, wood rot, bubbling paint, mold and mildew. Peeling and bubbling paint are a sign that your windows need to be repainted – and could be a sign of leaks or an indication that the wood beneath the paint has been compromised.
If water has gotten beneath the paint, be sure to scrape and sand the old paint and let the wood dry out before re-painting. Repainting wet wood will just trap the moisture inside, hiding the problem while it molds and rots inside (see # 3 below).
Mold and mildew can happen when moisture damages your windows. If you’re seeing mold or mildew on your windows, that will need to be removed.
Broken glass can compromise the functionality of your windows as well as their energy efficiency. Glass repair for antique wooden windows is usually not that complicated, but you have to be careful not to cause more damage. You’ll need the right tools: the proper size glass, putty, a putty knife or knives, and glazing points. You can find many reputable tutorials online for fixing broken glass in an old wooden window. With the right tools, you can make this repair yourself!
If you’ve realized that your antique or historic windows are affected by peeling paint, it’s important to get them resealed or repainted as soon as possible. This protects your windows from moisture, and can prevent mold and mildew from causing the wood to rot. Repainting and sealing can be done by a professional or as a DIY project.
Old wooden windows have weight balances or springs and other parts inside their frames that hold the windows open. A window with broken parts is difficult to open and often won’t stay open unless propped open by a box, a book or something of that nature. Get these broken parts repaired by knowledgeable repair person who has tools and experience to fix your old wooden windows.
Do you know when it’s time to replace your windows? Know the signs. For example:
Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro sells windows with frames that are made from composite wood material (Fibrex). Fibrex material looks like wood, but is much easier to maintain! With new windows, you don’t have to put up with your antique window maintenance any longer. To find out more about installing Fibrex material windows, call (866) 609-5033 or fill out the short form on this page today.
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