Window Types
Historic Windows
Old-growth sash predating modern manufacturing. Original wood is denser and more rot-resistant than anything milled today — a reason to keep it.
Common failure modes
- Putty glazing failure
- Loose mortise-and-tenon joints
- Cyclical paint failure
- Broken cords and weights
Restoration approach
Conservation-first: consolidate rather than replace, retain original glass where possible, re-putty, and improve performance with interior storm glazing.
See the full process →Related configurations
Casement
Side-hinged sash operated by a crank. Excellent seal when adjusted correctly, but hardware wear and sill exposure make them the most common restoration candidate.
Awning
Top-hinged units that shed water while open. Their horizontal bottom rail collects moisture and is often the first component to fail.
Double Hung
Two vertically sliding sash. Restoration focuses on balance systems, parting stops, and the meeting rail seal that governs air infiltration.
Fixed
Non-operating units in direct-set or sash-in-frame configurations. Failures are almost always glazing- or frame-related rather than mechanical.