The Window Sash Bible: A Guide to Maintaining and Restoring Old Wood Windows Paperback – December 18, 2024

The Window Sash Bible is about repairing, maintaining, and restoring older windows. With so much misinformation provided by replacement window vendors, this book aids homeowners, contractors, and anyone in the old house business make sound decisions about windows.The information is gleaned from my experience as a window repair contractor and an old-house enthusiast, from other craftsmen, books, catalogs, journals, trade manuals, teaching events, and “ah-ha” moments. Whether you do the work yourself or hire it, The Window Sash Bible will help you understand how to evaluate problems and how to undertake the repair process.The book begins with window and glass history and nomenclature. Familiarity with the pieces and parts prepares you to discuss your windows with vendors and contractors in a knowledgeable manner. Basic repairs and putty work include removing sashes, installing new sash cords and other balances, glazing (puttying), and replacing broken glass.You'll learn how to weather-seal your windows with materials usually superior to those found on new and replacement windows. Carpentry instructions include selecting durable wood species, common repair techniques, and long-lasting epoxy repairs.Other topics include storm windows and improving the efficiency of your existing windows. You’ll learn about selecting paint, techniques for repainting and avoiding sticky sashes, and precautions to keep everyone safe from lead dust and debris.The Window Sash Bible promotes sustainable window maintenance, repair, and restoration solutions. After reading it, you'll understand why most replacements are unnecessary and why your existing windows are superior to any you may replace them with.Reviews“The book’s breadth of knowledge is impressive, as is the detailed table on contents, index, glossary, bibliography, and source list for window parts.”Jefferson Kolle, “Fix Those Old Windows.”The Journal of Light Construction, August 2015--“In short, this book is the most comprehensive and useful volume on wood window maintenance and repair I have ever run across…Anyone who owns or manages a structure with wood windows - whether it be a small house or large commercial or institutional building - should have a copy of this book within easy reach.Clem LabineTraditional Building, October 2015_“ …no-nonsense, non-jargony advice for how to repair and care for wood windows. There is no mistaking Jordan’s passion for his subject or his extensive, hand-on knowledge…”Rebecca HarrisPreservation Leadership Forum of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, July 31, 2015__“Everywhere Steve Jordan goes, fans flock, eager to hear words of wisdom about old wooden windows…”Eileen McClellandThe Times-Picayune, February 26, 2016__“Packed to the covers with practical, hands-on instruction and years of on-the-job experience, whether you’re an old hand at windows or just beginning, Steve will teach you something new on most any page of this clear and enjoyable guide.”Gordon Bock, Co-Author of The Vintage House(www.vintagehousebook.com)Former Editor-in-chief, Old-House Journal__“…NY-based contractor Steve Jordan has gone a long way to giving you all the tips and techniques you need to do the job yourself…the author provides delightful historical details about earlier wooden windows and the challenges they provide… a worthwhile purchase for any renovation contractor in Canada.”Steve PayneCanadian Contractor, July/August 2016 Read more