Repair of old wooden windows – partial and major window restoration

Restoration of old wooden windows

Window restoration is an excellent alternative to replacing with new windows, since installation costs significantly more than the cost of all restoration work performed. Even in the oldest wooden Soviet windows, under a layer of paint, strong, well-preserved wood is often discovered. This is especially true for Stalinist windows.

Modern methods and technologies make it possible to restore aesthetic appeal, increase their reliability, improve functional qualities and extend their service life. Restoration allows you to give wooden windows not only an updated old, but also a new designer appearance.

Window sill repair: available technologies and their features

As a rule, when replacing an old window with a new one, most people also change the window sill at the same time. But few people think about the fact that an old window sill can be repaired, and not just repaired by patching it up a little, but a complete restoration, turning it into a real work of art. This can be done with any type of window sill, regardless of the material from which it is made. In this article from the site stroisovety.org, we will look at the question of how to repair window sills with our own hands - we will study all possible technologies and types of window sills to which they are applicable.

DIY wooden window sill photo

Window sill repair: we restore wooden products

In principle, the technology for restoring wooden surfaces is the same and does not depend on the type of product - according to this technique, wooden doors, furniture, windows, including our window sills are restored. This technology comes down to three basic things: removing the old decorative layer, restoring the wooden surface and applying a new coating. Let's take a closer look at these stages of work.

1. Removing old coating. There are three main methods that allow you to more or less quickly remove old paint from a window sill. This is a chemical method that involves the use of particularly toxic solvents (old paint remover). A mechanical method in which the decorative coating is removed using a grinding machine. And a thermal process in which old paint is softened using an industrial hair dryer and then removed mechanically (with a scraper). In principle, all methods are good.
2. The second stage of work, which involves the restoration of a wooden window sill, is the restoration of its surface. Everything here is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. There is only one method and almost always it works 100%. All cracks, holes and potholes, after preliminary cleaning of dust and dirt, are filled with wood putty, which you can prepare yourself from wood dust and PVA. When the putty dries, the surface of the window sill is sanded with a sanding machine until it becomes perfectly flat and smooth.
3. Finishing of a restored window sill. As a rule, after everything that happened to the window sill, only paint can be used as a decorative layer - varnish would be inappropriate here. If you want to give it a special look, experiment with colors. I'll give you one hint - the first coat of paint is fundamental. It would be more accurate to say that it can provide the main background. Then you can apply the design you like on it, after which it dries, a protective layer of varnish is applied - it can be applied using the pouring method, and after drying, the thick layer of varnish can be thoroughly polished. The result will be a window sill with a deep pattern.

Window sill restoration photo

There are other ways to apply a protective and decorative coating to a wooden window sill - for example, it can be laminated with a special film.

Repair of a plastic window sill: options and their features

In some ways, a plastic window sill can be called problematic in terms of performing its repair and restoration work. On the one hand, this is true, but on the other, one can argue. It all depends on the nature and extent of the damage. If we talk about small cosmetics, which simply involve giving the window sill a new and interesting appearance, then everything can be solved quite simply with the help of laminating films. If we talk about breaks and holes, then in this case you will have to work hard.

Window sill repair photo

In general, I personally do not agree with such a statement about the unsuitability of plastic window sills for repair - it seems to me that this is most likely a ploy by the manufacturers in order to secure a larger sales volume. In my opinion, repairing an old plastic window sill is not only simple, but very, very simple. Any holes in this product can be, if not repaired using modern materials, then simply patched up using old fashioned methods. Maybe someone remembers burning plastic bottles as a child? And they drip fire so well. What prevents you from filling the hole in approximately the same way, then thoroughly cleaning it with an abrasive and decorating the entire window sill with either laminating film or self-adhesive.

There is another option, or rather a material, that allows you to quite simply give an old plastic, wooden, concrete or stone window sill a respectable look - these are window sill covers. They are made of PVC plastic, and, like the window sills themselves, can be glossy, matte or laminated. Installing such overlays is quite simple - they are glued to the old window sill. The only difficulty that may arise here is adjusting the size of the overlay. The least problematic in this regard are white linings - first they are glued to the window sill, after which the edge of the lining is heated with a hair dryer and gradually bent to the shape of the old window sill. Laminated and glossy overlays lose their attractiveness after heat treatment.

In addition, PVC window sill covers can be used to restore similar products made from any material - this is, one might say, a universal solution.

Window sill covers photo

How to repair a window sill from non-standard materials

In addition to plastic and wooden window sills, in our homes there are products of this type made from other materials - for example, acrylic or natural stone. The issue of their restoration or restoration is solved somewhat differently - the above options are not very suitable here, since they do not improve the appearance, but simply spoil it. What to do with such products? Naturally, the best option would be to turn to specialists in their field, but if you have enough confidence and courage, then you can try to restore such window sills yourself - in principle, the technology here is not complicated.

To repair an acrylic or stone window sill, you will have to purchase a special repair kit. Today there are no problems with such materials. Except for one thing - you need to know how to use them correctly. By and large, if you strictly follow the instructions and don’t ask unnecessary questions, then everything will work out fine. If you make a gag, you will definitely get problems.

In general, without going into details, the process of sealing potholes and chips on such window sills is as follows. First, the place to be repaired is prepared. It is cleaned and primed with a special compound. Next, a paste-like mixture is applied to the damaged area, which, after drying, is cleaned and polished. The only difficulty in this matter is the correct selection of the color of the repair mixture - otherwise, this technology is very simple. By the way, in this way you can also restore small chips on window sills made of natural stone (marble or granite).

Window sill finishing photo

And finally, there is only one thing left to add - these are not all technologies that allow you to repair window sills. By and large, there are many of them and they are all more or less suitable for solving such issues. For example, in addition to linings, the technology for restoring old bathtubs with liquid acrylic is excellent for plastic PVC window sills, and wooden products of this type can be easily restored with an ordinary plane. The main thing here is to understand one simple thing - you shouldn’t count on a good result by doing all the work, as they say, on the spot. If you want to get quality, uniqueness and durability, then the old window sill will have to be dismantled.

When is restoration needed?

The need to restore old windows largely depends on the frequency and quality of their care. The more often and better prevention is carried out, the less often they will need it. All windows wear out over time, their geometry and tightness are compromised, which can lead to big troubles, for example, blowing, drafts, noise and dust entering the room.

Cracked paint, chips, and worn-out fittings do not look aesthetically pleasing. However, despite many problems, old wooden windows have a great chance to return to their original condition - restoration!

The main problems that window restoration eliminates:

• coverage violation;
• presence of visible defects;
• wear of fittings;
• insufficient sound insulation;
• geometry violation;
• worn seals;
• lack of drainage holes;
• presence of cracks.

Types of window restoration work

The long service life of restored wooden windows is achieved through a complex of external and internal work. Comprehensive professional restoration involves adjustment, carpentry and fitting work and provides increased sealing, heat and noise insulation, installation of high-quality inter-frame seals using Swedish technology, and easy functioning of window mechanisms.

List of basic restoration services:

1. painting with special paints and varnishes;
2. treatment of installation seams with sealant;
3. replacement or installation of the seal with milling of grooves in the frame;
4. restoration or replacement of individual elements;
5. replacing cracked glass;
6. adjustment of fittings;
7. installation or repair of window sills and slopes.

What is a window sill trim?

Window sill covers are a new product on the Russian construction market that consumers have been waiting for a long time. They are made from sheet plastic 1-1.5 mm thick using bending machines by bending under high temperatures. Thanks to this, the linings are durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to chemical cleaning agents. They are easy to wash and keep clean, just like regular PVC window sills.

Note that the size of such overlays can be from 5 cm to 1.5 meters in width, and up to 6 meters in length.

To impart color to the linings, a special technology is used to apply protective color films under pressure and high temperature, thereby achieving a smooth surface and increasing the wear resistance of the linings in use.

The use of high-quality Renolit films, or the possibility of painting such overlays according to the RAL color scheme, allows us to produce window sill overlays in any color, based on the needs and design of the customer’s premises.

Our services

provides window restoration services. Our experienced craftsmen will qualitatively carry out any restoration work - restoring the appearance of the window, improving the functional characteristics and changing the window design.

Upon completion, you will receive an updated, practically new, aesthetically attractive, neatly painted window that will be reliable, durable and environmentally friendly! At the same time, you will save your budget and be able to enjoy the “new” old windows for a long time.

Prices for restoration of wooden windows in Moscow

Price list for window repairs in Moscow

Geometry straightening

The appearance of drafts when the window is closed, increased audibility of street noise, as well as squeaks and significant physical effort required to open or close the window are typical signs of broken window geometry. Check the geometry of the valves, adjust them if necessary and secure the result by installing metal corners.

Please note that window geometry does not always have to obey the “right angle” rule. If, for example, the window frame itself is somewhat skewed, then it makes no sense to check the geometry of the window using a square. It is better to pay attention to how the window closes and opens.

The geometry is adjusted by adjusting the tension of the screws located in the window hinges. If, when closing, the window sash catches the frame, adjustment of the upper hinge is required. The lower hinge is responsible for moving the sash to the right/left.

Installation of corners

The corners can be screwed in with a regular screwdriver, but it’s faster and easier to do this with a screwdriver

Metal corners are attached to the joints of frame parts and have both decorative and fixing purposes. The correct location for the corners is on the inside of the window. Quantity: four pieces per frame. To install, first prepare the grooves of the required size using a chisel. We insert the corners into the grooves. We check the accuracy of the installation: we check the length of the frame diagonals.

Photos of our works

Photo of restoration of an old vintage window of complex shape

• Departures: 2
• Time: 16 hours
• Cost: 12400 rub.
• Warranty: 2 years

The client needed to restore a vaulted wooden sashless window located in a country house that was being renovated. After arriving on site and assessing the required amount of materials and work, our employees completely processed and prepared the window for painting on the first day. On the second day, the windows were covered with paint and the room was cleaned of traces of the work process.

The total cost of materials and work, which included cleaning old frame surfaces, degreasing surfaces, priming, painting and sealing seams, amounted to 12,400 rubles. 1 year warranty.

Call a specialist

Reinstallation of glass - installation of double-glazed windows

A homemade double-glazed window is needed to preserve the thermal insulation qualities inherent in the new product. You can restore the characteristics, or you can further improve them!

The glass rebate is lubricated with sealant. You need to choose a high-quality sealant for windows - silicone, acrylic or a combination, but always frost-resistant. It is advisable to buy material for outdoor work. It is more resistant to climate changes and the effects of moisture, weathering, and ultraviolet radiation!

• The sealant is applied in a thin strip along the selected chamfer in the window trim and sash frame where the glass will be installed. It is better to do this in a lying frame position;
• The glass is laid and adjusted, aligned in the frame opening;
• Remains of sealant from the glass and frame are removed with a sponge or rag;
• An additional, thin layer of sealant is laid in the place where the glazing bead is installed;
• The bead is installed on a thin nail;
• The remaining sealant is carefully removed;
• Next, the window sashes are twisted together onto fasteners, which should be nearby, and which were previously recommended not to be confused in the process;
• Between the sashes, even before they are fastened, a thin seal is glued. You can use foam rubber or rubber with an adhesive backing. The thickness is selected depending on the individual parameters of the windows;
• The sashes are twisted with enough pressure so that the seal is compressed and makes the windows airtight!

The sashes are hung in place, the window is checked for functionality, and in some places it may be necessary to lightly go over the protruding parts of the frame with sandpaper, removing microscopic layers of paint. Although, with constant opening and closing of the window, everything will rub in on its own.

Reviews about our work

Ivan Novikov 09/24/2019

The windows in an old cottage outside the city needed restoration. Called "Window Repair Service". We calculated about 30 thousand for all the windows. Others give me almost 50 thousand rubles. called! We did everything in a couple of weeks of leisurely work (that’s what we agreed on; I was in no hurry). The result is very beautiful and refreshed windows! Thanks guys! You have golden hands!

Elena Nikiforovna 10/11/2019

The children called a repairman from here because my windows were already in terrible condition. I was always sorry for the money while it was still worth something. Alexey did everything very carefully and professionally! The windows are like new. Thank you very much!

Read all reviews