Putty and Points repairs, refinishes, and restores historic wood windows using the finest materials and a high level of attention to detail until they look beautiful and function smoothly.
What we do:
The basic steps of a full restoration include first removing the sashes, carefully removing the glass from the frames, then stripping the paint down to the wood. Any areas of rot or damage are repaired using reclaimed historic wood when possible. Then the glass panes are cleaned and reinstalled using traditional glazing techniques. New paint is applied to protect the wood from the elements and to maintain its historic charm before the sashes are reinstalled using the original or reclaimed historic cast iron weights and new ropes.
In addition to full restoration, we also offer less intensive repair services. If you simply want your painted-over windows unstuck, your broken glass replaced, or your ropes and weights repaired to restore smooth function, we can do that, too.
Why not just replace my historic wood windows?
Why mess with a good thing?
Your existing wood windows have already lasted decades, maybe even 100 years or more. With careful restoration, you can get decades more out of them before further attention is needed beyond basic maintenance.
Don’t let replacement windows fool you. They often have long or even lifetime warranties against defects, but in terms of normal wear on materials, they may be covered for as few as 10 years. Replacement windows aren’t meant to be repaired in the same way your existing windows are. How would it feel to go through the considerable expense (and the inconvenience!) of replacing windows only to have to do it again in 20 years or even less?
If you’re considering wood replacement windows instead of vinyl, your existing windows win again: the old-growth wood they are made of is incredibly durable because it was harvested from larger trees
and has a tighter grain. New wood just can’t compete.
How does cost compare?
Depending on the condition of your existing window, the expense of replacement can be considerably higher than restoration. Also, full restoration is just one option. If you simply want your painted windows to be unstuck and functional or need broken ropes or glass replaced, these can be very cost-effective repairs.
What about energy efficiency?
While replacement windows can be more energy efficient than your original windows, you are unlikely to recoup the cost before it’s time to replace them again. The majority of the heating and cooling loss in your home is through the roof and floor, so your money would be better spent weather-proofing other areas such as installing attic or under-floor insulation.
How will the value of my home be affected?
Preserving original features of your home maintains its character – if you have a historic home, character is the reason you bought it in the first place. Plus maintaining historic details will appeal to potential buyers looking for authenticity. Details such as trim, molding, and original glass come together to provide a period look worth keeping, which translates to increased value.
What about environmental impact?
Restoration prevents old wood and glass from being discarded into landfills. On top of that, the creation and transportation of new materials are both energy and resource intensive. If you are environmentally conscious, restoration is the responsible choice.
What’s next?
Reach out! We’d love to talk to you and come onsite to assess the scope of your project. Full restoration of all the windows in your home can be daunting, financially and logistically. We’re happy to work in phases on your timeline.