Looking to preserve the antique sash that are original to your home and have already lasted longer than any new vinyl window may?
Pane in the Glass performs restorations for homeowners and businesses, Woods also offers advice to the do-it-yourselfer: “Use oil paint on your windows every five to eight years, for if this is done, they will continue to last forever.” He adds, “One of the biggest problems is paint build up on the sash causing them to bind up and not open and close properly. What I have found is that latex paints are a porous material that will cause mildew and in mid-summer; you will find that the paint bonds back to itself, causing them to stick just like your doors do on humid days. A good oil base paint will eliminate this problem.” Another tip for those who prefer to utilize original wooden storms is “each year when you put your storm windows up for fall and down in the spring, you should spray some furniture polish to where the window travels. The polish has a bit of oil that will help preserve the wood and help the smoothness of the operation.”
Dan Cooper is a well-known author, and has published over a thousand articles on the subjects of antiques, architecture, preservation and historic interior design. His first book, New Classic American Houses, was published by The Vendome Press. Dan is also President and CEO of Cooper Lace, has designed and sold historic lace curtains for twenty four years, providing them to private homes, museums and film sets. Dan is recognized as a leading authority on the subject of historic carpeting.