I don’t supply new wooden window frames but this case study, from my own house, explains what is involved.
The only thing original from the “after photos” are the leaded top light panels and some of the glass in the single window top left.
In 2017 I commissioned a carpenter to supply and fit new window frames made out of hardwood with a like-for-like appearance.
The leaded light in the above window I rescued from a house in Liverpool. Some of the glass was trimmed to my size, some replaced and the whole thing was releaded. The design is not in keeping with my house or those which would have been in the rest of the street but as I have positioned on the side of the building I think it a subtle location allowing for this extravagant design. As I spend my life dealing in what I consider to be works of art, which I will never see again, I wanted to keep something for myself!
I had the edges of the top light panels releaded before refitting…
The lower section of the window is divided in two as it would have originally been when the house was built in 1928. A previous owner had inserted a piece of modern flemish across this section.
Preparation and installation
I purchased the window units separately from the fitting process but from the same carpenter. This gave me time to properly paint the units with ease. These are now completely sealed for protection against the elements. When fitted I applied a final coat as during the fitting process some of the paintwork gets chipped.
I also replaced the handles, which may or may not have been original, with this. I have hundreds of window handles and leavers but do not sell these through this website. Please go to my Ebay account to view these.
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A separate job in another year was that I had the same thing done for the first floor windows: reinserting the original leaded light panels.
At the same time I had the APEX facia completely changed. Note in the “before” photo that the black timbers were rotten. I also painted the prime and undercoat on the new ones before passing them up to the builder on the scaffold. It must be the best traditional style APEX facia in Harrow, not that anyone looks up!
Be cautions of double-glazing companies offering wooden frames with double-glazed units. I admit these are nicer than PVC but these are unlikely to be made to really match the look of 1920s/30s windows. This is partly because more space is needed to allow for the multi-lever lock system and the double glazed units. Just like PVC windows you’ll notice they only open halfway. I’d could suggest to the PVC window industry where it might insert its multi-lever lock system.
My windows just have 4mm thick glass with simple screw in locks. I can open them fully as the simple hinges are able to turn 180 degrees. I don’t need a FENSA certificate. It might get a bit drafty but old houses need to breathe.
OTHER PAGES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN…
- My wood paint work techniques
- Secondary glazing
- Multi purpose – a different way to use salvaged leaded lights.
