Frequently asked questions

FAQ

1. Do I really need to restore them?

   If you're reading this, yes! Your house is nearly 100 years old and it's time to give your steel casement windows the love and attention they deserve. No more scraping, painting and patching. Restoring your windows will bring the warmth, charm and beauty of the 20's and 30's back into your home... It's the right thing to do.

2. What does restoration entail?

   Our restoration entails removing the windows from your home and premises where we can work on them properly, making the process as least invasive as possible. Once removed, the window is disassembled and stripped of the caustic lead paint. The Hardware is cleaned and polished and the glass is cleaned and re-leaded (rectangles, diamonds, patterns). The metal frames have all rust removed, welded if needed, primed and then powder coated--a process which electrically fuses a hard durable finish to the windows and is then baked on. Lastly all refurbished components of the window are reassembled and reinstalled using new silicone, putty and glazing agents. The finished product is a window that looks beautiful and functions well. You won't be disappointed.

3. Isn't it expensive?

   Comparatively speaking, no. Restoring your windows is an investment that will preserve the architectural integrity of your home. Replacement windows never look proper and may deter future buyers who are looking for an authentic tudor. A Slate roof, proud timbering (wood trim) and steel windows--with rippled glass and shiny brass-- are the details that make all the difference.

4. How long does it take?

   It really depends on weather and timing. In most cases, windows can be removed, restored and reinstalled in 7-8 weeks.

5. When is the best time to do the windows?

   We restore windows year round. Once the windows are removed, we securely cover the windows with water tight, wooden panels. In the colder months we use insulated panels that keep you warm and toasty during the restoration process.

6. Can you restore using insulated glass?

   In some cases yes but it's costly and quite frankly a waste of money. You are better off installing new custom storm windows that look and work great.

7. Do you do anything else?

   Yes we do. In most cases there is wood rot, painting and stucco repair that may need attention. No worries, we can help. This is a turnkey restoration process; though, If you have a preferred painter or craftsmen, we'll be happy to collaborate.

8. My old steel windows are drafty and don’t close properly, are they repairable? 
   Yes. We repair thousands of steel windows each year, all around the country. By servicing the window sash on site, we reduce stress on all moving parts, allowing the window to open and close properly, thereby reducing air infiltration and moisture intrusion.  

9. Some of my windows were cut apart for air conditioners; do I need to replace them?
   No. Missing steel can be matched, cut to fit and welded in place. We use vintage steel from our inventory and are able to match most window manufacturers from the early 1900’s.

10. My windows are poorly painted and the glazing is cracked and missing. We would like to have them restored, what are our options? 
    Many of our customers choose to have their windows fully restored in place. Once we repair the windows to operate and close properly, they can be stripped to bare metal, primed, putty-glazed, and finish-coated inside and out to look and work as good as new.

11. How can I make my historic windows more energy efficient?
    Install state of the art steel casement windows; don’t worry… we have them available.

12. How will replacing my steel windows affect my home’s architecture? 
    According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “the character of older and historic homes is often defined by their windows… windows give scale to a house and provide depth. The proportion, divisions and materials of a window are essential elements of design.” Steel casement windows were chosen to complement your home’s particular architectural style, whether English Tudor, Arts & Crafts or Art Deco.  Not only is the quality of “replacement” windows far inferior to your historic steel windows, installing them will greatly detract from your home’s architecture.

13. We are putting an addition on our home and want to match the steel casement windows that are original to our home.  Do you sell vintage steel windows? 
    Yes. We have an extensive collection of steel windows and doors, ranging greatly in size and style, from a variety of manufacturers, including Hope’s, Crittall, Fenestra, and more. We can usually ship in 2 to 4 weeks. See our services section for more information.

14. My home’s original steel casement windows were replaced and I am unhappy with the “replacement” windows. What can I do? 
    The reason they are called “replacement” windows is that you will inevitably have to keep replacing them.  We have a large inventory of vintage steel windows that have been used to replace “replacement” windows in homes across the United States.  The vintage steel windows will complement your home’s architecture much the way the original windows once did.

15. We do not live in New York. Do you travel? 
    Yes we do!