DIY Window Maintenance Tips for Historic Homeowners
Historic windows are like classic cars—they need a little extra love, but they reward you with character, craftsmanship, and value that modern replacements just can’t match. The good news? You don’t have to be a restoration pro to keep your historic windows in good shape. A few seasonal habits and careful touch-ups can go a long way toward preserving your original wood windows for decades to come.
Here’s your homeowner-friendly guide to maintaining historic windows like a boss (or like someone who just really loves their muntins).
1. Operate Your Windows Monthly
Yes, really. One of the top reasons old windows get stuck is inactivity. Wood swells and shrinks with the seasons, and when windows are left closed for months on end, paint can fuse the sash shut.
✅ What to do:
Gently raise and lower each sash once a month
If painted shut, use a sash saw or utility knife along the paint seam
Lubricate tracks with paraffin wax or a silicone-free dry lube (not too much - a little goes a long way!)
2. Gentle Glass Cleaning
Old glass is often thinner, wavier, and more brittle than modern float glass. Never use ammonia-based cleaners (they degrade glazing putty and coatings). Instead:
✅ Use this routine:
1:1 vinegar and water spray
Soft cloth or squeegee
Follow with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine
Avoid scrubbing glazing putty or using razor blades
Pro tip: If your glass has imperfections or bubbles, treat it like the antique it is—it’s valuable!
3. Inspect & Touch Up Paint
Cracked or peeling paint invites moisture, and moisture is the fast track to rot. A once- or twice-a-year inspection can catch issues before they grow legs.
✅ Look for:
Peeling at sash corners or joints
Bare wood around sill or bottom rail
Faded, chalky paint on the sunniest sides of your home
If you find minor issues, feather sand the area, spot prime with an oil-based primer, and touch up with exterior paint. For major issues, call a pro before rot sets in.
4. Wax the Tracks
Historic windows glide on wood tracks, not metal or plastic. That means they need lubrication now and then—but not WD-40.
✅ Instead, try:
Beeswax, paraffin, or specialty window wax (we recommend Austin’s Window Wax)
Rub onto the tracks and pulley rope if applicable
Buff lightly with a rag
Avoid grease, oils, or petroleum-based lubricants—they attract dirt and gum up the works.
5. Check for Glazing Putty Failure
Putty is the unsung hero of your historic window. If it’s cracking, falling out, or shrinking away from the glass, it’s time to reglaze—or at least reseal with paint to buy some time.
✅ When inspecting:
Lightly press with a fingernail—if it crumbles or feels soft, it’s time
Look for gaps between putty and glass
Use a magnifying glass on upper floors (seriously)
6. Keep Sills Clean and Sloped
Water pooling on your sill? That’s a red flag. Proper slope and paint are essential for shedding water.
✅ Every season:
Remove leaves, dust, and dirt buildup
Ensure sill still has a downward pitch (1:12 slope ideally)
Repaint any worn edges where wood is exposed
🧼 Bonus Tip: Clean with Care
Avoid pressure washers or aggressive sanding tools on historic windows. High pressure can force water into joints and strip soft wood. Use soft brushes and elbow grease instead.
🚫 DIY Don’ts
Don’t paint windows shut
Don’t use caulk as a shortcut to replace putty
Don’t yank sashes or force stuck hardware
Don’t panic if you spot a wasp nest—we’ll cover that in a future post 😉
A little TLC goes a long way. Historic window maintenance is about routine care, not perfection. Most of the problems we see on full restorations started with a decade of neglect and closed windows. Open them up, keep them clean, and enjoy the beauty and function they were built to provide.
Want help with glazing, paint, or sash cord replacement? Give us a call—we’re happy to assist (and we won’t judge your paint job).
