Customer Reviews

Working Windows: A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A great primer that convinced us to restore our classic six light double-hung windows instead of replacing them. So why would someone want to restore old windows instead of just replacing them?

A) They're gorgeous, practical works of art...the eyes of the house. Our windows are "six-light prairie style, double hung" windows. They're one of the typical syles for bungalows in the Midwest, and are a big part of what make our house the thing we love.

B) When restored properly, they will be weathertight as well as beautiful. (They are NOT maintenance free, however. If you are looking for maintenance free, restoration may not be for you.)

C) It will cost us less to restore these windows than to replace them with a vinyl clad wood window. This is based on the number of windows we have and the shape that they are in.

If those benefits are interesting to you, you need this book. Meany has written a fun book useful for the do-it-yourself'er as well as those wanting to learn about how window restoration works. With years of experience, Terence brings wisdom and humor (and some nice diagrams) to his writing. He gives beginners a realistic preview of what you're likely to encounter. Those with experience might find the book a bit basic but will appreciate the breadth of his experience and his recommendations on how to handle a few unusual challenges.

This winter, we have toasty warm, restored and WORKING windows :)

An important part of window DIY is the glazing. I was surprised to see the author's very brief comments on the subject and recommended having glazing done by a hardware store or glazier. Basic book that I knew most of already or got the same information from the instructions on the back of the glazing can. Drawings were sketchy and of little use. I didn't care much for the writing style: notes stuck in the text, folksy language, similar subjects spread out in the book rather than grouped under a single heading and referred back to in other parts of the book. I am returning the book.

I have recently purchased an older home that has a number of double-hung windows that need sash cords replaced and some minor repairs. I had never worked with wooden windows before and was at a loss for knowing where to start or what to do. This book was invaluable. I am half way through all the windows and without 'Working Windows' I would still be lost. The style of writing is fun and informative. The book contains general information through specific product recommendations.

I found the book to be very general and basic. Most of the information I already knew. There are methods of retrofitting old windows I have seen on home type programs that lightly discuss these topics and which the book does not. Also, the book could use a lot more diagrams and discussions on finishes and paint. The book limits itself to actually restoring to original working condition old windows and nothing about updating. This book is for beginners except that for beginners there should be a lot more pictures. I did find some good tips but not the information I was personally hopeing to find. I am selling the book back.

... It arrived on Friday, and was an easy read, with lots of diagrams and helpful hints. On Sunday I attacked a 73 year old double hung window which had been painted shut for decades, and everything I encountered was just as described in the book. By the end of the day, the window had been reassembled and both sashes now function properly. My total out of pocket cost was less than $20, including enough materials to do several other windows. To make this review a "5" the author should include a reference list of where to find those "hard to find" parts (including internet URL's).

Mr. Meaney combines straightforward, grounded explanations with the right amount of humor to keep this work from becoming just another "how-to" text. This is a must for all restoration "purists" out there who want to save original building materials to the greatest extent possible.