If you save anything in your old house, let it be your windows.
Yes, they can be drafty. And yes, they usually need attention. But they were built from old-growth wood, designed to be repaired, and meant to last. There are many options to make them efficient again. Storm windows come in a range of styles, and I’ll share what I used to build my own — and how that raised the temperature in my bedroom by 10º — in a separate post.
For most historic homes, the first step in restoration is simply getting the windows open.
Mine were painted shut from the inside and caulked — and painted — closed from the outside. It’s common in older homes. Layers of maintenance over time slowly seal everything in place.
My experience is primarily with double-hung windows, but the method of carefully cutting through paint and caulk applies to most traditional wood windows. It’s a patient process more than a complicated one.
Below is everything I used to begin restoring mine.
Stainless Steel Window Opener - For sawing through the paint/caulk, releasing the stile and rail from the window casing
Paint Scraper - For hammering into the crevasse created by the window opener
Razor Scraper - I have at least five of these. They're for everything.
Scraper Set - The flat one is my most-used tool. It scrapes, chisels, and pries things open. The rest are for the hard-to-reach spots.
Four Edge Scraper - For removing paint in precise spots. The sharp edges help get into areas the window is still paint-sealed.
Safety Glasses - They're annoying. They get dirty and make it hard to see. But they're a must so they might as well be cute!
Respirator - I don't test for lead paint or other toxins. I assume they're there and wear this mask.
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