RESTORATION - 9 STEP PROCESS

Over the past 23 years, Re-View has developed a methodology for refurbishing historic window sash that is recognized by the industry to be the state of the art. By training all of our craftsmen in this procedure and structuring our shop environment to accommodate the various stages of restoration, we are able to maintain the highest levels of quality and achieve outstanding efficiencies.

THE NINE-STEP PROCESS
Re-View developed the Eight-Step process after restoring hundreds of sash and referring to countless specifications and periodicals from sources like the U.S. Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation that address the proper methods for preserving landmark structures. The Nine-Step process breaks down as follows:

1. On-Site Survey
The first step in conducting a window restoration project is to document the existing conditions of each window unit. The Re-View team uses any existing window schedules and surveys each opening to classify the work to be done. Each window is marked in the field to correspond to our electronic scheduling program to expedite the restoration process and assure that the correct restoration steps are being conducted and replaced on each component.

2. Lead Paint Removal

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The next step involves removing the many layers of lead paint to determine the actual condition of the window unit and to prepare it for the other steps. Re-View utilizes dip tanks with liquid stripper as the most effective means of paint removal.

Applied stripper or heat guns involve too much abrasive action that can damage the wood and take much longer to accomplish. Our dip tanks can handle sash that are 8'0" x 8'0". They are specially equipped with a pump agitator to circulate the stripper for the most efficient paint and glazing removal.

3. Repair Structural Mortise and Tenon Joints

The mortise and tenon joints on many historic wood windows often are damaged due to absorbing moisture through their end grains in the wood. The adhesive and mechanical fasteners originally used are either damaged or non-existent. Re-View spends a great deal of time in rebuilding these joints. The joints are either rebuilt or reconstructed using wood epoxies. We use polyurethane glue that is injected into the joint to secure the sash and then staple the joint or secure it with a wood dowel.

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The sashes are then squared, clamped in place and left for ten hours to cure for the next process. When the Re-View craftsmen are completed with the sash, it is perfectly square and has the structural integrity of its original manufacture date.

4. Replace Deteriorated Components

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Many sash have are in excellent condition except for a particular component. Rather than disposing of the entire unit, Re-View can easily replace the damaged section. We often see lower sash rails and horizontal muntins bars that have been exposed to water to the extent that the wood is no longer sound.The Re-View craftsmen fabricate replacement components using the same profiles, sizing, shapes as the existing parts to replace these deteriorated areas.

5. Apply Liquid Wood Epoxy

Over the years, the end grains of the wood components have been damaged by water and cracks have allowed water to compromise the wood's integrity.Re-View can revitalize this damage by impregnating the sash in liquid epoxy. Depending upon the condition of the wood, it can take several applications of the epoxy to completely permeate the damaged area.

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This epoxy has exceptional adhesion, structural strength, versatility, permanence, dimensional stability, and water resistance. With this liquid epoxy, a piece of deteriorated wood that could crumble under finger pressure can be impregnated and restored to a rigid, durable, water and weather resistant wood superior to its original.

6. Apply Epoxy Wood Filler
Windows that are over 100 years old typically have surface cracks, gouges, and broken profiles. It isn't uncommon to see a lug on an old window with half of its profile missing. The Re-View craftsmen utilize a wood epoxy putty to fill these depressions. Although it isn't our intention to make the window look like something coming off of the assembly line at a furniture plant, it is critical to fill those voids that could invite water penetration in the future. It is also important to rebuild sections like a cracked lug or a major depression for aesthetic reasons. The epoxy that Re-View uses can be painted, stained, wood-grained, sawed, nailed, planed, sanded, carved, and machined like wood. It contains no VOC's or noxious odors. It fills cracks, holes, and voids of any size without the shrinking and crumbling of common wood fillers.

7. Finish Sand

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The Re-View craftsmen use belt sanders, orbital sanders, finish sanders and planers to create a finished surface. We even spend a great deal of time hand sanding the units to achieve a smooth finish. In most cases we will even have custom scrapping knifes made that match the profiles of the units we are working on.

All adhesive, liquid epoxy, and epoxy filler is sanded to a smooth finish to best achieve the original profile of the window unit.

8. Glazing

The Re-View team can use several different methods to glaze the window units depending upon the glass desired and the specification. We often will glaze the window unit with single paned glass like the original complete with glazing putty. Our craftsmen will apply linseed oil to the glazing pocket prior to setting the glass. We have found that applying a small silicone bead to the back of the pocket provides another seal in addition to the putty that is desirable for long-term performance.

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The Re-View team also has used wood glazing beads to stop the glass in place. By using a Honduras mahogany stop and sealing its ends, the glazing bead will stand up to time of mother nature.

9. Finish Stain or Painting

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Our painting crew can match any finish desired. We will use any of the major paint manufacturers, but would recommend using only the highest quality finish for such valuable products. The Re-View team will typically provide the architect and owner with samples of the desired finish on actual wood sections for approval and then paint a mock up window on site prior to mobilizing.

We typically recommend an oil-based primer with two coats of acrylic latex paint for the exterior surface of most of our work.