Window restoration!

Here it is, my long awaited sash window restoration post! I did the front attic gable window first as it was in the worst shape. I had previously worked on the basement windows but this was my first sash window. Here's how it turned out:

The before shot.

The bad condition they were in, note the loose joints and the horrid use of the screw gun which didn't help and actually split the wood.

Removing the cheap dap 33 "putty".

A crack had devoloped (above photo) where the top rail of the upper sash was screwed into the jamb, I had to fix that with wood glue and clamps.


The top sash sits in the chair in the kids play room which they don't use anymore.

Exterior facing side of the top sash before

Closeup of the damage

Used a heat gun to strip most of the modern paint off, the rest I gently sanded away as much as possible, note you can see the original black that the window was, which I have returned it to the original color, which I also think looks more striking on white window framing.

The screw wasn't even held in by anything, a tap on the backside would have been enough to knock it out of place.

After I removed the screws, I removed the sash pin, or was it replaced by a nail later on? It too was easy to remove, I used needle nose pliers to grab onto it.

Here it is, rusty.

After I removed the screws, nails and sash pins I removed the bottom rail for repairs, it was very rattly and barely held together, I'm glad and surprised it didn't fall out years ago.

Closeup of the dry, cracked wood. I gave both sashes, and between these joints some boiled linseed oil and turpentine mixture to reinvigorate it.

One of those dreaded modern glazing points with ears, which require twice the putty line, which is ugly as it shows through the inside of the window. I removed all those and used only traditional points.

If you look closely, a spot where whoever glazed this around 10 or so years ago just glazed over the original linseed oil putty.

The bottom sash before

Also features screwgun hackjob as well as weather checking.

Glued the bottom rail back together.

I did the same for the bottom sash, it was a little wiggly too after I removed the screws, after stripping, sanding and using wood putty to fill all the cracks, holes and weather checking, I let them both dry.

A closeup of the various original glazing points I found, the modern M shaped push points with ears weren't photographed. Found an assortment of 3/8" diamond and larger, triangle push points.

Sash primed

I drove little aluminum nails (as they won't rust) in place of the rusted sash pins.

Glazed with Sarco Type M traditional linseed oil putty. I never found whiting powder so I just had to deal with the oils on the glass later with some glass cleaner.

Sash painted with flat black oil paint.

A closeup of the wonderful putty lines I got!

Now, time to rehang the sash and restring the pulleys. I got Samson red spot cord (as well as my putty) from http://smithrestorationsash.com/ I highly recommend this company for your window restoration needs. Also pictured is a box of paraffin wax, which is used to lubricate the sash tracks to allow for smoother operation.

I found the 7 Lb iron weights in various places in the attic

Closeup of the Roman Numerals (love them)

I tied the sash cord to the weights, I read a very detailed and informative blog post here, how to tie the knots.
http://www.oldtownhome.com/2014/1/30/Window-Restoration-How-To-Re-Rope-Sash-Cord/

I had to nail the cord into the side tracks of the sash, as no matter what, I coudln't make a knot fit in the hole. I had seen other old windows done this way, so it is authentic. Used aluminum nails again, fun fact: I got these nails out of the siding I removed, I'm glad they got to get a real use!

Top sash installed!

It works!

Since the attic isn't finished, there are no weight pockets as you have direct access behind the jambs.

I strung the bottom sash the same way as the top.

Fully installed and ready for service!

A view of the tracks and pulleys.

Front gable uncovered & newly restored window

A week or so ago, I uncovered the front gable.

Nothing makes one appreciate the after photo, like a before photo, also note the unrestored gable window and unattractive plastic shutters which are gone forever now. Black was the original color and I think it makes a nice contrast with the white window frame. More on the window restoration in an upcoming post!

Some closeups and details:

The screen attachment hardware

Found the screen up in the attic, I reattached it for a photo, unfortunate it has a big hole in the lower section, which can be repaired.

The latch that attaches the screen to the bottom of the window sill.

That storm window off to the left goes to another window.

The condition and appearance of the fishscales just after being uncovered. I know I need to glue back that flap that was split by the flashing.

A little background history/info. From paint chips, I have determined that the gables were originally dark green, then grey, then finally white. For some reason, the gray layer from pre-1920 still exists untouched here and wasn't painted white in 1923, which makes me think they added some extra ornamentation to the crown molding to make it appear even bigger, which was in place pre 1920 until 1983 when it was hacked off. Sadly, I never found any historical photos of my house, yet.

The number "18" rudely defacing the top of the window moulding. Any guesses if it has a significance?

Various scribbles and writing, similar writings were found on the west gable.

What is MAX BMU? Correction: Thanks Matt Swabb for pointing out to me it actually says Max B. Mullins (a scrapyard owner nearby, and self titled business) and not MAX BMU 11 ins (inches)

And the date, 2/13/83 which puts this North gable siding job 5 days after the west gable.

Gable without the window sashes.

Beadboard eaves detail, the rest of the aluminum will be removed from the fascia board which has beautiful bead and cove moulding on it.