Forever Hung Windows is a wood window restoration company that takes pride in restoring historic wood windows that stand as a beautiful detail to homes and buildings across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and beyond.

We have restored hundreds of wood windows, using tried-and-true methods to rejuvenate fixed and double hung wood windows from the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

When finished and re-installed your historic wood windows will operate like a dream. With proper restoration by carpenters who have honed their craft in historic restoration, your windows will be better than ever.

Forever Hung Windows is experienced, certified, licensed and insured and provides complete restoration services of original wood windows including:

• complete wood window sash restoration (including energy-efficiency upgrades). 

• restoration of historic shutters and doors

• complete sash replication to the historic standard of the period

• building new wood storm windows

• preservation carpentry

The workshop is located in Bucks County and services historic residential, commercial, government and public buildings in Bucks County, the Main Line, Philadelphia, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Lehigh Valley, Cape May County, New Hope, PA and beyond. The company is fully licensed and insured.

Phone - 215-375-2851

EMAIL - chris@foreverhungwindows.com

+ Shop located in beautiful Bucks County

+ Experienced, certified, licensed & insured

+HIC Number: PA143305

+980 Wheeler Way, Box 1246 | Langhorne PA 19047

THE PROCESS

The Window Restoration Process begins on site with safety on the top of the list. HEPA vacuums and plastic containment is how we handle the lead paint that may be disrupted when extracting the windows from their openings. Once the windows are extracted, the window opening and its channels are vacuum scrapped clean of any loose paint, primed and painted. The window pulleys may be removed for restoration. The trim stops can be milled, restored or may need no attention. If there is any rotted sills or missing pocket doors, this, along with any other issues, can be handled.

Window openings are boarded up with plywood or a heavy plastic. If a storm window exists, this step may not be necessary.

The majority of the work on the window is done back at the shop. Steam is the best method to remove the old glazing and paint. Once the sash has dried for 24 hours, hard scrapping and power sanding done on a HEPA downdraft table will bring back the brilliance of the old growth wood. Carpentry repairs are then performed on the window sash. Sometimes a meeting rail will need to be rebuilt, or the bottom rail on the lower sash will need rebuilt. The sash may just need some dutchman repairs and epoxy. No matter what it needs, Chris can take apart your window sash and rebuild each piece as needed. Once the sash is put back together square and pegged with a wood dowel, the sash will be sealed with a conditioning recipe to rejuvenate the dried out wood. This is a very important part of the process that is crucial to your sash being prepped for paint.

Chris can weatherstrip window sash or the window trim stops, as well as the sill and meeting rails. There are a few different weatherstripping options that can be discussed based on your needs.

Your historic wood windows will be sealed and then primed with a high quality oil-based primer. Once the primer is dry and hand sanded to 120 grit, your choice of top coat will be applied in two coats.

Chris uses glazing products and the same methods that our ancestors originally used when hand setting the glass and glazing. He does his best at saving any and all wavy glass and setting it back in its original sash. If panes are missing, 1/8 clear glass will be used, although wavy glass can be sourced at additional cost.

Depending on conditions, window restoration can range from 3-6 weeks from extraction to installation.

When installing the windows, Chris makes it normal practice to use the copper plated sash chain. This chain is strong, nice looking and easy to work with. Other options are available.

Wood window restoration is a very labor intense and time consuming process, but truly worth every penny. It would actually be an INVESTMENT, adding charming historical value to your home or building.

<VIA Window Preservation Alliance>

WHY RESTORE YOUR WINDOWS

1. Because your windows fit your house.

Quirky as they might be, your older windows fit your house. Care was taken to match the weight and style of window to the building, the trim, etc. They have expanded and contracted with the seasons. With proper weather stripping they can be made to fit and seal even better. Replacement windows have a rigid structure that fits within your window openings. Old houses move and shift over time and frequently the gaps that open up around replacement windows and the window openings result in more drafts than the original windows.

2. Because you appreciate good craftsmanship.

The true mortise and tenon construction of antique windows is incredibly strong and even when it begins to weaken it is easily repaired. Many unique window shapes were created because of the craftsmanship with wood joinery. Antique windows were built to last, to be repaired as needed and to remain in use for as long as the house might stand, not to become landfill.

3. Because you value good materials.

Antique wood windows are constructed of old growth timber. The wood is more dense and more weather resistant than today’s tree farmed softwoods. Delicate profiles are possible because of the density of the wood. The reason these windows are still around, even with years of neglect, is because the wood is of very high quality requiring no cladding or additional materials to give them weather resistance. Once all the old, cracking paint is removed, your wood windows are usually quite beautiful, graceful, and strong.

4. Because you love the character of antique glass.

Even the glass in antique windows tells a story. It may be roundel or cylinder glass, each indicating a certain era of manufacturing. Old glass has varieties of color and texture that are a delight to the eye. Two layers of glass are better than one, and in an antique home that second layer of glass should be the storm window that protects the original window.

5. Because you think a warranty should be more than 20 years.

Chances are your windows have done their job for fifty or more years already. Sure, they may be a little creaky and may not be as attractive as they once were, but it’s a far better investment to repair a proven performer than to sink money into a new window that only has a 20 year warranty at best. With proper maintenance your antique windows will last for generations to come. Heck, even without maintenance they may last that long! www.windowpreservationalliance.org Top Ten Reasons to Restore or Repair Windows

6. Because you want to avoid vinyl.

Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is becoming one of the greatest concerns in the building industry. Not only does the production of it create an environmental nightmare, but the gases it emits over time are becoming a concern. In the event of a house fire, burning PVC releases toxic amounts of dioxin. In addition, Lead is used as a stabilizer in the manufacture of PVC. If you are concerned about our planet’s health, and your own carbon footprint, you should read up on efforts to reduce the use of vinyl.

7. Because you want more light.

Replacement windows are set into the window opening, the sash is smaller than the originals, therefore you get less viewing area and less light. Who wants less light?

8. Because windows are a functional part of your house.

Weights and pulleys are the best balance systems ever invented. There is a prevalent myth that a lot of cold air comes in through the weight pocket. However, if there is cold air in the weight pocket it’s generally because there is a gap between the outside trim of the house and the siding. It may also indicate a poor seal at the floor joists. Replacing easily serviceable weights and pulleys with vinyl jamb liners or invisible balance systems means installing a system that has a maximum life span of 10-20 years but generally fails in less time. You can’t believe how joyful it is to open and close windows easily with one hand when everything is restored to the way it was designed to work!

9. Because you really can save 30-40% on heating costs.

According to the Field Study of Energy Impacts of Window Rehab Choices conducted by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, the University of Vermont School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering laboratory, the estimated first year energy savings between a restored wooden window with a good storm window vs. a replacement window was $0.60. Yup, less than a buck. In their conclusions section they noted, “The decision to renovate or replace a window should NOT be based solely on energy considerations, as the difference in estimated first year savings between the upgrade options are small.” Broken glass, failed glazing, no weather stripping – these small and repairable items are what really effect energy efficiency in windows.

10. Because the greenest building is one that is already built.

Replacement windows are touted as a way to save energy. But when evaluated from the perspective of the entire production, shipping, installation and removal process, replacing windows consumes a whole lot of energy, or viewed the other way, an older building has a great deal of embodied energy. If the total energy expenditure to manufacture replacement windows is considered, then the break even period stretches to 40-60 years. Sadly, replacement windows often fail long before that break even point is reached, whereas historic windows can last for generations. In the words of Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation “We can’t build our way out of the global warming crisis. We have to conserve our way out. That means we have to make better, wiser use of what we have already built.” Restoration work can create up to 10 lbs of waste, but replacing windows generates around 50 lbs. of waste. Repairs and restoration work are done by local craftspeople paying local taxes. They use a minimum of materials and resources and a maximum of labor. Restoring windows is the best use of your embodied energy and the best way to support the local economy.

STORM WINDOWS

Custom-Built Wood Storms

At Forever Hung Windows we offer our clients custom-built wood storms to your exact window opening, crafted to meet the historic standard of your building or home.  We create our storm windows the same as our double-hung windows using classic mortise and tenon joinery.  Our shop uses solid Eastern White Pine wood, but additional options include cedar and mahogany.  Other options for wood storms include glass glazed in place, or have glass and screens to be able to be swapped in and out depending on the season.

Aluminum Storms

We can source and install aluminum storm windows. Inquire for details.

Call 215-375-2851 or fill out our form to get a price quote done to get your wood windows like new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: After getting my windows restored, what should I do for upkeep?

A: Your windows should be painted at least 10 years, depending on your location, weather and other variables. Storm windows are necessary for your windows to maximize their energy efficiency and protection.

Q: What is your experience doing historic windows and carpentry?

A: As a historic restoration carpenter, Forever Hung Windows owner/operator Chris Fullan has worked for other companies as lead carpenter, before starting his own business, restoring hundreds of windows on historic residential, commercial and government buildings (ranging from the 1700s-1940s). Buildings have included:

• The Historic Lazaretto at Tinicum  (Tinicum Township, PA)

• The Navy Yard (Philadelphia, PA)

• Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)

• Haverford College (Haverford, PA)

• Burlington County Lyceum (Mt. Holly, NJ)

Q: What is the normal process that happens once I decide to get my windows restored?

The restoration is done off-site at our shop.  It is a detailed process for proper restoration. This includes:

1. Removing the windows from your site

2. Boarding up window openings with plywood, plexiglass or plastic

3. Steaming the windows to deglaze and remove paint

4. Carpentry repairs & epoxy work on window parts

5. Sanding the window sash

6. Weather-stripping the sash

7. Wood conditioner sealing treatment 

8. Applying  long-penetrating oil-based primer

9. Painting (2 coats)

10. Glass glazed back in 

11. Glazing finish painted 

12. Windows re-installed 

Q: How long does the whole process of getting my windows restored?

With the upmost respect for historic buildings, we take care of your windows like they are going on our own home. The process normally takes 3-8 weeks, depending on the number of windows, number of panes and details and scope of the project.

Q: How do you handle lead?

Forever Hung Windows is a lead-safe certified firm and takes lead removal extremely seriously. We use plastic containment and HEPA vacuums to deal with lead dust and paint chips. It is our goal to leave a place better than we found it.

Q: What is your lead time?

Forever Hung Windows is currently booking Spring 2020, but may be able to fit in smaller jobs, depending on location/circumstances.