Table of Contents
Foreword Rick Sever viii
Preface ix
Acknowledgments x
Introduction xi
Double-Hung Windows
The Basics 1
The Details 1
Typical Problems 4
Weather Stripping 4
Pulleys 7
Sash Pins 9
Problems and Problem Solving 11
Opening the Window 11
Removing the Stops 18
Windows Nailed Shut 21
Reinstalling the Stops 22
Replacing the Ropes 23
Lower Sash Rope Replacement and Pocket Covers 24
Installing the New Rope 29
Removing Both Sashes and Replacing the Parting Beads 34
Sash Controls 39
Parting Bead Dimensions 42
No Pocket Covers 43
Exterior Casings and Brick Molding 45
Drilling Access Holes 46
Duplex Pulleys 50
Removing Interlocking Weather Stripping 52
Weather Stripping Reinstallation 56
Alternatives to Pulleys, Weights, and Ropes 59
Casement Windows, Awning Windows, Hopper Vent Windows
TheDetails 61
Getting Them Open 62
Removing the Hinges 63
Weather Stripping 65
Awning Windows/Hopper Vent Windows 66
Fixed Windows
The Details 67
Fixed Single Sash 68
Double-Hung Fixed Windows 70
Repairs, Refinishing, Repainting, Weather Stripping, Redemption
A Short Introduction 71
Safety Considerations 72
Respirators and Masks 73
Safety Glasses 75
Gloves 76
Ear Protectors 77
Disposable Tyvek Suits 78
Repair Problems 78
Paint Buildup 79
Removing Old Paint 79
Heat Removal 80
Chemical Removal 81
Solvent-Based 81
Other Solvents 83
Water Rinse-able "Safe" Strippers 83
Sodium Hydroxide Paste (Lye) 84
Environmentally Friendly/Natural 85
Tank Dipping 85
Scraping 86
Sanding 86
Steam Cabinets 89
Disposing of Debris 90
Broken Glass and Loose Glazing 90
Replacing the Glass Yourself 92
Hackout Tools, Chisels, and Stiff Putty Knives 92
Heat Gun and Propane Torch 92
Grinding Wheel 93
Prazi Putty Chaser 93
Next Steps... Removing the Glass 93
Measuring for New Glass 93
Buying the Glass 95
Installing the Glass 95
Limits of Glazing Compound 100
On-Site Glaziers 101
Taking the Sash to a Glazier or Hardware Store 101
Hacking Out the Old Putty Yourself and Having Others Install the Glass 101
Missing or Loose Glazing 101
Structural Repairs 102
Loose Corners 102
Corner Irons 103
Nails and Deck Screws 105
Rotted or Deteriorated Wood 107
Fillers 107
Automotive Body Filler 108
Epoxy 109
Rot and Weathered Wood Repairs 110
Muntins 113
Chipped Muntins 113
Broken Muntins 114
Sill Repairs 118
Partial Sill Replacement 120
Sill Replacement 124
Missing or Broken Hardware 125
Cleaning Window Hardware 125
Replacing Hardware 128
Fixed Pulleys 128
Problems with the Weights 130
Casement Hinges 130
Sloppy or Tight Fit 132
Double-Hung Windows 132
Casement Windows 134
If Your Casement Is Weather Stripped 136
Fixed Window Problems 137
Turning Fixed Windows Into Operable Windows 138
Double-Hung Fixed 138
Outswinging Casement/Butt Hinges 138
Installing Friction Hinges 142
Weather Stripping 143
Spring Bronze 144
Installing Spring Bronze 144
Spring Bronze and Casement Windows 149
Interlocking Weather Stripping 149
Vinyl 149
Foam 151
Other Materials 152
Repainting and Refinishing 152
Paint 153
Oil-Based Paint 153
Latex Paint 153
Cleaning Paintbrushes 156
Stains, Varnishes, Oils, Shellac, and Lacquer 158
Stains 158
Varnish 160
Oils 163
Shellac 164
Lacquer 165
Moldings
Woodwork: Moldings and Casings 167
Refinishing and Removal 170
Stripping and Finishing 172
Painting, Finishing, and Graining 174
Graining 175
Stupid Windows, Leaded Glass
Stupid Windows 177
Pivoting Windows 177
Leaded Glass Windows 178
Nontraditional Repairs for Leaded Glass 179
Screens and Storm Windows
Screens 181
Retractable Screens 181
Adjustable Screens 181
Fixed Wood Screens 182
Full-Screen Replacement 183
Building Wood-Framed Screens 187
Screen and Storm Window Hardware 188
Wood Storm Windows 189
Styles 189
Making Your Own 190
Plastic vs. Glass 192
Aluminum Screens and Storm Windows 192
Security
Pin Locks 194
Ventilation Locks 195
Security Film 196
Window Grates 196
Glass Cleaning
General Dirt and Grime 198
Other Tips 199
Paint Drips and Overspray 200
Removing Decals and Stickers 200
Stained and Leaded Glass 200
Polishing Your Windows 201
Glass Cleaner 201
Shutters and Awnings
Awnings 203
Repairs and Maintenance 204
Shutters 205
Repairs and Maintenance 205
Tools and Materials Appendix 207
Tools 207
Tool Uses 207
Material Uses 210
Resources 215
Tools and Materials 215
Miscellaneous 218
What the World Has to Say About Working Windows 218
Index 221