Windows and Glazing

Working with windows in old properties can be a long and hard task.  This section of the site is all about what you can do to repair, make or design them.  Perhaps the single biggest problem with windows is rot - and the cause - Plastic Paint.  Gloss Paint... Horrible stuff.  It forms a hard coating on timber, which cracks quite quickly, and water builds up behind it and starts the process of rotting.  

We use two tricks - one, the Putty Lamp, and two, Linseed Paint.  The Putty Lamp is a piece of kit you can hire from us which will soften old putty to allow you to remove ancient glass without breaking it.  Linseed paint is great stuff - what the old boys used to use, and once your windows use linseed paint - they wont rot..

Typical rotten windowsill
Finished window with linseed paint
Finished window
Using a putty lamp to remove old window putty
Sealing around windows and doors
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Knowledge Base
Latest News
Pete's on BBC Radio 4 now!

Pete recently did an interview on BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours - which investigated a case history of failed cavity wall insulation.

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Guidance concerning Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings

This is the English Heritage Guidance document that covers almost all the issues I cover in this site.

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An Irish client and his magnificent restoration blog

Our client, John, wanted help with this restoration - it led to this great blog.

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Rising damp is a myth, says former RICS chief

Stephen Boniface, former chairman of the construction arm of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS ), has told the institute’s 40,000 members that ‘true...

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It's Condensation Season!

The phone is running off the hook with calls about condensation. Find out how to solve your issues.

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The Haynes Manual for Period Property

Ian Rock has written another of his great books.  This one is even better - We've helped Ian with this one and there's loads of photos of our guys doing timber frame work.  A great book, with lots of practical information you need if you have an old home.  Treat yourself and buy this - you won't regret it!

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