Restoring Doors in a Hyde Park Condo Residence
Here Comes the Sun!
Restoring French Doors
As is the case here, full length french doors were often installed in residences to function as windows in historic buildings, especially in high rise condominiums. Why? Because they afford maximum light while taking up minimal space.
Nevertheless, the attraction is less than “appealing” if the paint is cracking and peeling. Another problem with many vintage casement windows can be seen in this view of the opening on the next screen.
Replacing the Original Metal Weather-Seals Bent with a Upgraded Weather Seal
This metal was intended to provide insulation against air and moisture infiltration. A hundred years later, though, it gets bent out of shape. Ironically, then, what was intended as a weather-seal becomes a weather-leak!. Even when the metal is not bent, these bulky metal seals make the doors and windows difficult to operate
Our restoration process begins with removal of his outdated weather-seal system. We then recommend replacing it with less invasive, upgraded seals. We offer a variety of silicone and rubber weather-seal options.
Here’s another dramatic restoration of five sets of “near door-sized” casement windows we worked on in a condo unit in the Roger’s Park neighborhood.
“…the five sets of casement windows in our apartment (10 sashes) are finished. As with the trim, they look like new windows, except that they are the original windows!
And they actually close and open freely now! Having the hardware stripped clean and realigned, and weather stripping installed on the exterior side of the jamb also makes them feel secure and be airtight. The result is both functional and absolutely gorgeous.”
– Marjan Moshayedi | Rogers Park, Chicago
We Exorcise the Ghost of Casement Windows Who Flings Them Open When Nobody is Home!
And you thought you were the only one whose casement windows swing open all by themselves! The problem is that the hardware specified for vintage casement windows and french doors was inadequate. Upgrading hardware helps solve commonplace common problems associated with casement windows and doors. When we restored the windows pictured here, we installed surface mount bolts at the top and the bottom of the recessive window to facilitate tight closure. With the recessive window firmly fixed, properly adjusted sash locks enable a tight fit of the active door. If there had not been two casement locks on these door-length windows, we would have added a second lock. Traditional casement window and door locks come in two sizes–large and small. We ensured these windows had large locks for ease of handling and tightness of closure.
“I am extremely pleased with the work that Jeff Ediger did in rehabbing my 85-year-old French doors.
The wood and weather stripping were badly deteriorated; wind and snow came through the cracks; and the doors blew open in strong winds (most dramatically during the blizzard of February 2011.) Nevertheless, I wanted to save them and I am delighted that Jeff was able to restore the doors and modernize the weather stripping. It is so much warmer in my apartment now, and as an extra bonus, it is quieter.”
– Mary Jean Kraybill | Hyde Park, Chicago
Here’s Another Way to Keep the Ghost at Bay
Notice the hardware that runs the full length of these french doors. This device is called a “cremone bolt.” When the latch at the center of this mechanism is turned, long bolts extend up into a housed mortise cut into the header of the doorframe and another one cut into the floor. This is a substantial and elegant way to secure both casement windows and french doors. Notice, also, how clean the hardware is? We despise painted hinges, door knobs, and whatever else unskilled painters paint that should never have gotten painted. Our door restoration always includes refurbishing existing hardware. We’ll also work with you to find a locksmith to assist in upgrading hardware.
Restore the Architectural Appeal of Your Doors
We use the highest quality materials on the market that are appropriate to the age of your building and doors. We integrate both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the door restoration process so that your doors are both welcoming and secure while simultaneously contributing to the architectural integrity of your historic building. And we offer enhancements that can turn drab doorway into grand entranceways!