Old window frames

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Permalink Reply by John Leeke on July 5, 2009 at 10:50am

Are you sure the original window frames are gone? Usually the replacement window pirates do as little work as possible, leaving the original frames in place.

>>Can anyone reccommend a book or site where I can acquire the knowledge to build replacements.

My new book, Save America's windows:

http://www.historichomeworks.com/hhw/reports/reports.htm#Windows

shows how traditional window frames are constructed, including reprints of window chapters from five old trades manuals that show details of many types of frame construction. There is not a step-by-step procedure for making frames, but you could come back here and ask questions about that that, or join us over at the Historic HomeWorks Forum:

http://historichomeworks.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16

John
www.HistoricHomeWorks.com

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Permalink Reply by doctorjoey3 on July 5, 2009 at 3:55pm

John,

Yes, the frames are gone, I've taken the cottage to the studs and the replacement windows are much smaller than the originals. I thought I'd find lath and plaster, but 99% of the walls were covered with a pressed cardboard...based on only on set of nail holes in the studs, this must have been the original wall covering. Several coats of paint, and some sort of plaster covering the cardboard as a skin coat in a few places.
But the smaller windows are aluminum and several inches short of the rough framing.
I'll look at your book and join Historic HomeWorks, thank you for the reply.
Joe

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Permalink Reply by Catherine Brooks on September 12, 2009 at 2:31pm

If you do use these old windows, strip all the lead-based paint off so your new paint adheres well. Infrared low heat is a new technology that is safe, fast, and clean. The Speedheater was invented by a historic restorationist in Sweden and has been sold in the US since 2002.

Catherine
www.eco-strip.cm

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