How long does the restoration process take?

Most average sized residential projects (10 to 25 windows) take about 3-4 weeks from start to finish, but the schedule depends a lot on the size and complexity of the windows we’ll be restoring. Our production team will contact you once your proposal is approved to work with you to customize the schedule to meet your needs.

What is done with the openings while my sash are out for restoration?

If you have storm windows then those provide protection in the interim. If you don’t have storm windows we install ½” plywood in the openings to protect your home from weather. We use security screws that require a custom drill bit to remove to make sure you are safe against break-ins. We also offer polycarbonate (plexiglass) window coverings instead of plywood for an additional charge if you’d like to keep the light shining in while your sash are away.

What do you do to protect my family from lead paint?

We are an EPA RRP certified firm and our team are trained in working safely with lead paint. While working onsite we create a plastic bubble around the windows we are restoring to keep any dust from spreading outside the work area. All our scraping tools are attached to HEPA vacuums which are the industry standard for protection against airborne lead particles. When finished we vacuum every surface and meticulously wipe everything down with TSP, which is a safe cleaner designed to carry away any lead residue. We perform a white glove test on our way out and won’t leave until you’re satisfied things are clean. All debris is hauled off by us and disposed of at our facility (not your trash can).

Can my windows really be as energy efficient as you promise?

Yes they can! The #1 reason any window is inefficient is air leakage and double-paned glass does nothing to fix that. During the restoration process we replace all the old putty and reinstall the glass in fresh putty which seals drafts around the glass. We also modify the sash to fit your frame precisely as needed. We then use our proprietary 100-year weatherstripping system to block drafts yet leave the windows able to operate smoothly creating a draft-free and beautiful historic window. For added efficiency you can also add Indow inserts which can help your original window not just meet but exceed the current energy codes! If you’d like more info on Indow inserts ask your Sales Specialist.

Check out these studies that support our claims:

• Saving Windows, Saving Money: Evaluating the Energy Performance of Window Retrofit and Replacement (2016). Produced by the Preservation Green Lab.
• A Comparative Study of the Cumulative Energy Use of Historical Versus Contemporary Windows (2010). By Frank Shirley, AIA. Fred Gamble, PhD, Jarod Galvin, RA, LEED AP.
• Testing the Energy Performance of Wood Windows in Cold Climates: A Report to the State of Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (1996).
• Are Historic Window Energy Efficient? (2017). By Scott Sidler CRC

What do you do about broken glass?

All broken glass is replaced during the restoration process with new ⅛” annealed glass unless requested otherwise. If we break any antique glass during our work (and it does happen) it is replaced with the type of glass that was broken (ie. antique for antique, tempered for tempered). There are glass upgrade options for safety, noise, and efficiency available. If you’d like to discuss these options please let your Historic Preservation Advisor know.

What do you build your historic replicas windows from?

We use a virtually rot proof wood called Accoya. This wood carries a 50-yr. warranty against rot or insect damage and is extremely dimensionally stable (it won’t warp, bow, or twist) which makes it a great wood for windows and doors to ensure a consistent fit through the seasons. Accoya has no harsh chemicals unlike other treated woods and is grown and harvested sustainably. Paints also last longer on Accoya windows due to its stable characteristics. Our sash are built with the identical mortise and tenon joinery of historic windows and pegged with only stainless steel fasteners.

What kind of windows will you restore?

We restore only original wood and steel windows in homes built before 1960. Double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, hopper, astral or any other historic style window. If it’s old and made of wood or steel we can fix it!

What kind of windows won’t you restore?

We do not restore vinyl, aluminum, composite or materials other than steel or wood. At this time we cannot restore jalousie windows, sliding glass doors, or replacement wood windows built after 1959.

How do you work draw/payment schedules?

To get your project on our schedule we require a 50% deposit in most cases and a signed proposal. For most projects we require the next payment of 25% at the start of work on site and then the remaining 25% payment is due upon substantial completion of your project. Each job is unique so feel free to ask and we may be able to make accommodations in special circumstances.

Are you licensed & insured?

We are a licensed Residential Contractor in the State of Florida #CRC1330968. We carry General Liability insurance at $2,000,000 and all our employees are covered by Worker’s Compensation to make sure our clients and employees are protected.