Victorian Kitchen & Bath Remodel Project

Restoring Old Windows Video

Ryan Pirro from RestorationWindows.com joins Bob to explain how and why the old windows are being refurbished in the Rowley Victorian. Pirro says the number one reason for refurbishing is cost effectiveness. It costs much less to refurbish than to buy new, which would be three to four times the cost of restoration. Another reason to restore is how easily the windows operate once they are restored. Refurbished windows are also highly energy efficient, often more efficient than new windows. The completed window he show Bob was removed and repainted while the mechanicals were repaired. The old sash ropes in these double-hung windows were replaced with bronze chain that will last indefinitely. Double hungs are defined by two sashes — top and bottom — and sash weights in pockets on the side for operation. Sash-weight pockets are uninsulated and can result in heat loss, which is why some homeowners abandon sash operation. On these windows, they have replaced the parting bead on each side with Spanish cedar, which is highly rot resistant. They have also installed spring-bronze weather stripping in the track for smooth operation and a tight fit to block incoming drafts. The spring-bronze weather stripping is installed by hand to fit the window precisely. The bronze chain is attached to a spiral in the top of the window frame then drilled into a channel and guide hole in the window itself. Maintenance on refurbished windows includes applying furniture oil or preserver to the window channels for optimal operation and healthy wood. The weight boards are attached separately as access doors to the window weights should the sash cords or chains ever break. Average mechanical restoration of old windows is about $220 per window.

Featured Bob Vila Showrooms
• Western Red Cedar Lumber Association - Real Cedar for Siding, Decking and Outdoor Projects
• Western Red Cedar Lumber Association - Real Cedar for Siding, Decking and Outdoor Projects

Additional Bob Vila Showrooms
• Sears - Custom-Fit Replacement Windows and Entry Doors
• eFaucets - Find all the best names in kitchen and bath fixtures
• Slide-Lok - Garage Storage Cabinets
• Unico System - Retrofit High Performance, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carpentry, Construction & Materials
• Berky Builders - Construction, general contracting, project management.

Decks, Fencing & Outdoor Living
• Western Red Cedar Lumber Association - Grade A, Clear Grain, Western Red Cedar decking, rails, and trim. - View Bob Vila Showroom

Doors & Windows
• Pella - Custom wood two-over-one windows for oriel window.
• RestorationWindows.com - Refurbishing of old windows, installation of new mechanicals, and trim work for smooth, energy-efficient operation.

Roofing & Siding
• Atas International - Copper standing-seam roof panels, clips, and hip-roof sections.
• Metal Roofing Alliance - Standing seam copper roof.
• Newton Roofing Company - Installation of standing-seam copper roof.

> View All Product Resources


	Other Video Clips from this Episode

	Building a Western Red Cedar Deck Bob checks out the structure for the western red cedar deck that is being built at the Masher home in Rowley. He points out the bituthene membrane that is applied ... Watch video and view full description
	Installing Western Red Cedar Decking The concrete-block retaining wall for the deck and yard transition is complete. The walls curve as they flow into the yard and carry the steps from the deck to the ... Watch video and view full description
	Installing a Standing-Seam Copper Roof Bob is with Rich Melo of Newton Roofing Company for the installation of the copper roof on the Rowley addition. The 16-ounce copper panel is prefabricated with a standing seam. ... Watch video and view full description
	NOW PLAYING Restoring Old Windows Ryan Pirro from RestorationWindows.com joins Bob to explain how and why the old windows are being refurbished in the Rowley Victorian. Pirro says the number one reason for refurbishing is ...
	Completing the Trim on the Oriel Windows The western red cedar decking is complete on one side of the house and Tim Berky, the general contractor, is completing trim on the oriel windows that face onto the ... Watch video and view full description