Why Window Restoration?

We Have & Want Windows, Glass & Frames

HRI inventories window sash by size (height, width & thickness) and style. Introduce a historic window into your project instead of a new window.

HRI has a stockpile of vintage glass, from 18th century crown glass to various grades of 19th century cylinder/plate glass. Glass ranges in quality and size, so please contact us.

HRI will gladly save windows and window parts from the landfill.

10 Reasons to Save Historic Windows

Reason 1: Authenticity. Historic sash are made for their historic frames and the look of the house. They are meant to operate a bit loose, allowing tolerance for additional painting and building movement.

Reason 2: Repairability. Historic sash have a repairable operating system.

Reason 3: Quality. The quality of the construction and materials have proven themselves. If they still exist, then can continue to survive for many decades.

Reason 4: Integrity. Retain the architectural integrity and original materials. Only an historic window can look like a historic window. Anything else is a reproduction.

Reason 5: Sustainability. Long term cost effectiveness. 30% of replacement windows are less than 10 years old. Old window= 100-200 or more years New Window= 10-25 or less years A replacement window can only be replaced, not restored. With the cost of today's quality replacements at about $600.00 to purchase, and about $200 to install/paint, a new window can be about $800.00. Replacing a new window 4 times over 100 years can end up 3-4 times the cost of restoration.

Reason 6: Efficiency. It's all about air flow and heat loss. While new windows are calculated in the controlled laboratory settings, they do not consider poor installation or progressive air and heat loss from failing replacement window parts. The compatibility of R-Value, or the heat loss index, of a new, double pane insulated glass replacement window can be an R-Value up to 3. A single pane historic window with a good storm window is an R-Value of 2. A R-Values table can be found at Colorado Energy's website. If the replacement window does not fit well or is loose in the opening, then the R-value becomes insignificant.

Reason 7: Protection. Storm window wear versus new window. A window's exterior can fail from weathering in about 15-20 years. A storm window can wear out in the same amount of time although it can cost 5 times as much to replace a window than a storm window. Insulated glass seal fails in 10-15 years and felt weather stripping fails in about 15 years. A historic window needs a storm window, protects the sash and it is easier and cheaper to replace a storm window than a replacement window unit. The storm window saves time, energy and money. And it is recyclable.

Reason 8: Lead. The main concern for replacing windows is the presence and spreading of airborne lead particles. According to the Department of Health, the means of reducing or eliminating lead content in the home is by making a house lead safe. For windows, the idea is to reduce the amount of airborne particles caused by friction points, and prevent impact on lead containing surfaces. HRI can make the historic window sash lead safe, operate smoothly, while simultaneously increasing their efficiency.

Reason 9: Tax Credits. Tax credits are available for both commercial and residential buildings on the National Register, in a Historic District or National Register District. Contact the RI State Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission for further details.

Reason 10: Resale. Perspective buyers of historic properties consider historic windows integral with the overall aesthetics and architectural integrity of the house. Replacement units can take away from the building’s overall value.

The Window Restoration Shop

The Process

• Remove the window, door or molding element and transport to the shop.
• Document and tag the element.
• Stick the element in the Steam Stripper. The element is subjected to 206 degrees of steam for about 1/2 hour.
• Scrape and collect the lead on the Downdraft table.
• Save and clean the glass.
• Complete wood repairs.
• Sand on the Downdraft table
• Apply Valpenturp preservative coat.
• Bedglaze glass, pin and glaze.
• After 5 days, apply oil primer.
• Apply two coats of finish.
• Reinstall element.
• Restore function.
  

Historic windows are integral to a building's design integrity.

Historic windows can last for hundreds of years.

Historic windows can be energy efficient and functional.

Click here to see a sample window restoration specification.

Click here to see the Lead Safe Window Operation Guide

Read About Sustainability in Historic Preservation Here