Caring for Your Investment

Schedule: Annual

Supplies: Linseed oil, rags, lint-free cloth, ammonia-free cleaner

Performed By: Owner or contractor

Remember that, to maximize operability, parts of the window system where friction occurs have been finished with boiled linseed oil instead of paint. A fresh coat of this clear finish should be applied on an annual basis (or whenever the current finish has worn away). This is a quick and easy process that keeps these bare-looking wooden surfaces protected and looking their best.

Ensure surfaces to be treated are clean and dry. Apply with a lint-free cloth and wipe away any excess.

Schedule: Annual

Supplies: Linseed oil, rags, ammonia-free cleaner

Performed By: Owner or contractor

While the interior finish (paint/stain) of your restored windows and doors can potentially last a lifetime (or until you desire a color change), the exterior will require periodic upkeep for optimum appearance and continued protection from the elements.

Chip away any loose or bubbled paint and sand to smooth the transition around these areas. A light overall sanding is also suggested to optimize adhesion to previous coats. Thoroughly clean and dry areas to be treated.

Schedule: Annual

Supplies: Lint-free cloth or high-quality untreated shop towels, ammonia-free cleaner

Performed By: Owner or contractor

Doing this task on a regular basis makes the job easier and keeps your home—not to mention your view of the world outside—looking its best. It’s especially important to thoroughly clean and dry glass surfaces before re-painting areas touching them, as it will promote better adhesion of the finish to the glass.

Our preferred cleaner is Hope’s Perfect Glass.

Schedule: Annual, ([X] years if sealing)

Supplies: Spray lubricant, mild soap & water cleaning solution, rags, clear polyurethane or lacquer (if sealing)

Performed By: Owner or contractor

Humidity and exposure affect operability and appearance over time. To keep operable hardware working smoothly, periodically use a mild cleaning solution and apply a small amount of spray lubricant to completely dried surfaces. Work into moving parts (such as hinges and locks) by repeatedly moving them and wipe away any excess lubricant.

To prevent oxidation and rust (or if you dislike the patina that metals naturally develop), you should seal your hardware.

Our preferred lubricants are [X].

Our preferred sealants are [X].

Schedule: Annual

Supplies: Rags, mild soap & water cleaning solution

Performed By: Owner

The metal weather stripping should, for the most part, be left untouched. Occasional cleaning by vacuuming and wiping with a damp rag may be desirable to remove any dust or dirt build up.

It’s very important to protect these integral metal parts by masking them off during re-finishing, as painting/staining them will lead to binding and poor performance. Avoid removal of weather stripping unless completely necessary, as fastening to the wood base may not be sufficiently firm upon reattachment.

Schedule: Inspect every X years

Supplies: None

Performed By: Contractor

Glazing typically lasts decades, but may need repair sooner under high exposure to heat, UV, and/or moisture.

When inspecting, look for cracking or a generally dried-out appearance. It goes without saying that if you find significant damage (such as missing chunks), re-glazing will be necessary.

We highly recommend that, unless you have a lot of experience in this area, glazing be professionally done.