Working Windows, Revised and Updated Edition; A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows

by Terry Meany

• ISBN13: 9781592287086
• ISBN10: 1592287085
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2005-06-01
• Publisher: Lyons Press

Summary

"The best guide on the subject." --Seattle Times/Post Intelligencer In Working Windows, Terence Meany explains with detail, humor, and accessibility everything you'll need to know to repair, replace, or restore almost any window, regardless of its age. You will find: *detailed instructions for disassembling and repairing all sorts of wood windows * repair hints and tricks of the trade you won't find anywhere else * easy ways to clean and restore original hardware * safe and efficient methods of stripping, refinishing, and painting * effective ways to eliminate drafts and rattles * invaluable information on tools and materials * and more.Filled with line drawings and practical tips, this is the most comprehensive, accurate, and detailed book on the subject. Whether you are a craftsman or a do-it-yourself homeowner, you will find Working Windows packed with essential advice and instruction that will help you get your windows looking great and operating smoothly.

Author Biography

Terence Meany has repaired thousands of windows in the Seattle area, earning him the nickname "Mr. Window".

Table of Contents

Foreword	xiii
Mark A. Hetts
Preface	xv
Acknowledgments	xvii
Introduction	1	(2)
Double-Hung Windows
The Basics	3	(1)
The Details	3	(3)
Typical Problems	6	(7)
Weather Stripping	6	(3)
Pulleys	9	(2)
Sash Pins	11	(2)
Problems and Problem Solving	13	(52)
Opening the Window	13	(7)
Removing the Stops	20	(3)
Windows Nailed Shut	23	(1)
Reinstalling the Stops	24	(2)
Replacing the Ropes	26	(1)
Lower Sash Rope Replacement and Pocket Covers	26	(5)
Installing the New Rope	31	(5)
Removing Both Sashes and Replacing the Parting Beads	36	(6)
Sash Controls	42	(2)
Parting Bead Dimensions	44	(1)
No Pocket Covers	45	(3)
Exterior Casings and Brick Molding	48	(1)
Drilling Access Holes	49	(3)
Duplex Pulleys	52	(2)
Removing Interlocking Weather Stripping	54	(5)
Weather Stripping Reinstallation	59	(3)
Alternatives to Pulleys, Weights, and Ropes	62	(3)
Casement Windows, Awning Windows, Hopper Vent Windows
The Details	65	(1)
Getting Them Open	66	(1)
Removing the Hinges	67	(2)
Weather Stripping	69	(1)
Awning Windows/Hopper Vent Windows	69	(2)
Fixed Windows
The Details	71	(1)
Fixed Single Sash	72	(2)
Double-Hung Fixed Windows	74	(1)
Repairs, Refinishing, Repainting, Weather Stripping, Redemption
A Short Introduction	75	(1)
Safety Considerations	76	(7)
Respirators and Masks	77	(3)
Safety Glasses	80	(1)
Gloves	80	(1)
Ear Protectors	81	(2)
Disposable Tyvek Suits	83	(1)
Repair Problems	83	(12)
Paint Buildup	84	(1)
Removing Old Paint	84	(1)
Heat Removal	84	(2)
Chemical Removal	86	(1)
Solvent-Based	86	(2)
Other Solvents	88	(1)
Water Rinse-able ``Safe'' Strippers	89	(1)
Sodium Hydroxide Paste (Lye)	89	(1)
Environmentally Friendly/Natural	90	(1)
Tank Dipping	90	(1)
Scraping	91	(1)
Sanding	91	(3)
Disposing of Debris	94	(1)
Broken Glass and Loose Glazing	95	(12)
Replacing the Glass Yourself	95	(2)
Hackout Tools, Chisels, and Stiff Putty Knives	97	(1)
Heat Gun and Propane Torch	97	(1)
Grinding Wheel	98	(1)
Prazi Putty Chaser	98	(1)
Next Steps. . . Removing the Glass	98	(1)
Measuring for New Glass	98	(2)
Buying the Glass	100	(1)
Installing the Glass	100	(5)
Limits of Glazing Compound	105	(1)
On-Site Glaziers	106	(1)
Taking the Sash to a Glazier or Hardware Store	106	(1)
Hacking Out the Old Putty Yourself and Having Others Install the Glass	106	(1)
Missing or Loose Glazing	106	(1)
Structural Repairs	107	(25)
Loose Corners	107	(1)
Corner Irons	108	(3)
Nails and Deck Screws	111	(1)
Rotted or Deteriorated Wood	112	(1)
Fillers	112	(2)
Automotive Body Filler	114	(1)
Epoxy	114	(1)
Rot and Weatherized Wood Repairs	115	(3)
Muntins	118	(1)
Chipped Muntins	118	(2)
Broken Muntins	120	(4)
Sill Repairs	124	(2)
Partial Sill Replacement	126	(4)
Sill Replacement	130	(2)
Missing or Broken Hardware	132	(8)
Cleaning Window Hardware	132	(2)
Replacing Hardware	134	(1)
Fixed Pulleys	135	(2)
Problems with the Weights	137	(1)
Casement Hinges	137	(3)
Sloppy or Tight Fit	140	(5)
Double-Hung Windows	140	(2)
Casement Windows	142	(2)
If Your Casement Is Weather Stripped	144	(1)
Fixed Window Problems	145	(8)
Turning Fixed Windows Into Operable Windows	146	(1)
Double-Hung Fixed	146	(1)
Outswinging Casement/Butt Hinges	147	(4)
Installing Friction Hinges	151	(2)
Weather Stripping	153	(9)
Spring Bronze	153	(1)
Installing Spring Bronze	154	(4)
Spring Bronze and Casement Windows	158	(1)
Interlocking Weather Stripping	159	(1)
Vinyl	159	(2)
Foam	161	(1)
Other Materials	161	(1)
Repainting and Refinishing	162	(15)
Paint	162	(4)
Cleaning Paintbrushes	166	(2)
Stains, Varnishes, Oils, Shellac, and Lacquer	168	(1)
Stains	168	(3)
Varnish	171	(2)
Oils	173	(2)
Shellac	175	(1)
Lacquer	176	(1)
Moldings
Woodwork: Moldings and Casings	177	(3)
Refinishing and Removal	180	(2)
Stripping and Finishing	182	(2)
Painting, Finishing, and Graining	184	(3)
Graining	185	(2)
Stupid Windows, Leaded Glass
Stupid Windows	187	(1)
Pivoting Windows	187	(1)
Leaded Glass Windows	188	(3)
Nontraditional Repairs for Leaded Glass	189	(2)
Screens and Storm Windows
Screens	191	(2)
Retractable Screens	191	(1)
Adjustable Screens	191	(1)
Fixed Wood Screens	192	(1)
Full Screen Replacement	193	(4)
Building Wood-Framed Screens	197	(1)
Screen and Storm Window Hardware	198	(1)
Wood Storm Windows	199	(4)
Styles	200	(1)
Making Your Own	200	(3)
Plastic vs. Glass	203	(1)
Aluminum Screens and Storm Windows	203	(3)
Security
Pin Locks	206	(1)
Ventilation Locks	207	(1)
Security Film	208	(1)
Window Grates	208	(1)
Tools and Materials Appendix	209	(10)
Tools	209	(1)
Tool Uses	209	(4)
Material Uses	213	(6)
Resources	219	(4)
Tools and Materials	219	(3)
Miscellaneous	222	(1)
What the World Has to Say About Working Windows	223	(2)
Index	225