Our Services

We work with homeowners who value the character and beauty of their older homes and who wish to renew their original wood windows. Review our services below and contact us today to begin your restoration project!

With maintenance, your original wood windows can last forever. If your windows are replaced with modern products, you are committing those window openings to a replacement cycle that will need to be repeated every 20-30 years. Keep your original windows out of the landfill and reduce unnecessary demand for inferior replacement products.

View Our Services

Woman using power planer in van workshop setup.

The Hayes Window Restoration Process

From your initial inquiry to your window assessment, from the delivery of your project to our follow up afterwards, we want to make sure you experience success at all points in the restoration process.

In-Person Assessment

Our historic window assessor will meet with you at your home to listen to the improvements you are looking for, assess your windows, and discuss your priorities and various repair and restoration options.

Customized Proposal

In collaboration with our production team, your assessor will craft a project proposal that aligns your priorities and budget with our specialized services, whether it be a basic window tune-up, installing weatherstripping for improved energy efficiency, or full restoration.

Project Delivery

Our team of trained technicians and experienced, vetted subcontractors will deliver your project with your experience and best interests at heart. After an initial walk-through with our lead tech, our team will execute your project.

Post-Project Wrap Up

Your lead technician will provide a summary of the project and conduct a final walk-through with you to demonstrate the completed work and answer any remaining questions you may have. Our office will then follow up in case there is anything else you need.

On-Site - Interior

Do you want windows that open and close smoothly and are tight against drafts? Our on-site services restore smooth operation to your windows by replacing broken sash cords, freeing windows that have been bound up in paint, and installing effective and permanent true-to-era weatherstripping.

Sash Cord Repair

Are your sash cords broken, frayed, or painted? Sash cords connect your window sash to cast iron weights hidden in the window jamb, effectively offsetting the weight of your windows to help them open and close with ease. Working sash cords are vital to your double-hung window counterbalance system. We replace old and broken sash cords with new restoration-grade cord to restore the original counterbalance system of your windows, resulting in windows that are once again easy to open and close.

Man repairing red window frame, scenic outdoor backdrop.

Close-up of weathered wooden window frame and sill.

Snake hiding in wooden window frame corner.

Weatherstripping

We use a combination of spring bronze weatherstripping and bulb seal weatherstripping to establish a draft-tight fit for your operable window sashes. Our weatherstripping approach has been independently tested and shown to reduce drafts by nearly 90%. Already have weatherstripping? We tune and realign many original types of weatherstripping to help it perform better, to keep this original material in service and out of the landfill, and to keep your project costs in check.

Window Tune-Up

One of the biggest enemies of historic windows is paint. Whether it is one really bad paint job or a number of decent paint jobs that pile up, paint gets into crevices and jambs where it causes friction, binding, and in many cases complete seizing up of an otherwise operable window sash. Our technicians free windows of paint and other obstructions to regain full and smooth operation of your windows. One of our favorite tune-up tasks is to free upper sashes in order to regain the original ventilation objective of double-hung windows: to have warm air rise in a room and ventilate out the top of the window.

Man installing a window in a room, tools nearby.

Vintage brass window latch close-up on wooden frame.

On-Site - Exterior

Some deferred maintenance is most cost effective to address from the exterior with your windows in place. We offer limited seasonal exterior services to address some repairs efficiently while keeping project costs down.

Spot Glazing and Spot Painting

Is your original window putty cracked and flaking off? Window putty, often called “window glazing” or “glazing putty” today, is the traditional material that seals glass to the wood frame (the sash) that surrounds it. This seal is vital because, when in sound condition, it sheds water and creates a draft-proof barrier. Sound window putty has a degree of elasticity, allowing it to maintain a seal through the seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood sash. Over many decades, this putty becomes too brittle to keep up with these seasonal changes and needs to be replaced, much the same as paint needs updating. We provide detailed removal of failing putty and replacement with new oil-based putty, which we seal with two coats of high quality paint. Our on-site painting does not typically include full window repaints.

Close-up of weathered window frame needing repair.

Window view with vintage lock, reflecting suburban street.

Person using a staple gun on window frame.

Man installing colorful stained glass window indoors.

Glass Repair

Do you have cracked panes of glass in your windows? Historic glass, sometimes called wavy glass or period glass, is a defining characteristic of original windows. We strive to preserve this character and we offer a number of ways to repair windows that have broken panes of glass. Smaller panes can often be replaced on-site, while larger panes need to be removed for a safer repair in our shop. Our glass repair services provide an historically appropriate solution to cracked glass as we always use traditional approaches–never caulk or other sealants that can eventually lead to rot and other maintenance issues. We offer options for new glass, safety glass, salvaged historic glass, replica historic glass, bent and curved glass for bent windows or arch top sashes, and stained glass repair and restoration.

Exterior Trim

Despite its qualities of rot resistance, old growth wood that is left in long-term exterior exposure will decay over time–especially when failing paint coatings are not addressed or when inadequate wood is used for small repairs. We offer complete window trim replacement using mature growth white pine, sustainably sourced from a family-run operation in Wisconsin. Historically accurate trim and brick mold profiles are milled on-site to match your existing windows. We offer trim painting services and reinstallation of storm windows upon completion of trim replacement.

Large gray window with closed blinds and sunlight patterns.

Double window with black shutters on white wall.

Window Restoration

Do your windows need a combination of interior and exterior improvements, including interior refinishing? When simple on-site solutions aren't enough, we assess windows for restoration. These projects bring your windows back to the full functionality and beautiful look they had when they were new, with optional energy-efficiency upgrades.

Full Restoration

When your windows need a complete aesthetic overhaul in addition to the sash cord, weatherstripping, and putty work described above, it may be time to give your windows a full restoration. This process involves a complete restoration of your window sashes and reconditioning of your window jambs. The sash removal, installation, and jamb reconditioning take place in your home and the sash restoration takes place at our shop, where we meticulously stabilize and refinish your window sashes. These projects typically take about 8 weeks to complete, with 1-2 days in your home at the start and finish of the project. Upon completion, your fully-restored window sashes are installed and tuned, ready for another 100 years of service.

Hand scraping old varnish from wooden window frame.

Decayed window sill with visible damage and debris.

Open casement window framing a residential view.

Close-up of glossy wooden stair rails in workshop.

Storm Windows

Storm windows play a crucial role in optimizing your window system. By complementing your primary windows, they create a double-glazed result, offering the original double-paned window solution. These additional windows act as a protective barrier against the elements, effectively safeguarding your primary windows. As a result, the maintenance cycle is extended, reducing the need for frequent upkeep.

Wood Combination Storm Windows

Our wood combination storm windows are a unique design, inspired by the requests of our esteemed Twin Cities' clients. We have created these windows to offer an exterior appearance that accurately matches historical windows, while providing the convenience of easily switching between glass and screen panels from the interior. No ladders are required, and during the off-season, you only need to store smaller panels. To enhance protection against drafts, these combination storm windows feature an integrated silicone bulb gasket seal, all while maintaining their historic charm.

Discover the benefits of our wood combination storm windows:

Authentic appearance that aligns with historical aesthetics.
Convenient interior panel switching between glass and screens.
Bulb weatherstripping ensures a draft-tight fit.

Blue-framed window on textured wall, reflecting trees.

Wooden modular bookshelves in workshop setting.

Accoya: The Perfect Wood Choice

When crafting our storm windows, we rely on Accoya modified wood, a sustainably harvested timber. This wood undergoes a non-toxic process, resulting in exceptional resistance to rot, and superior dimensional stability. With Accoya wood, you can bid farewell to warped and rotten windows, and welcome durable and long-lasting storm windows into your home.

Person installing new windows on a house.

Gray house with large multi-pane windows

Traditional Storm Windows and Screens

Our traditional wood storm windows and screens faithfully replicate the originals. They boast the following key features:

Traditional mortise and tenon joinery, ensuring longevity and durability.
Authentic putty glazing for a traditional aesthetic.
Interior profile designed with historic "ogee" detailing.
Rot-resistant wood with a remarkable 50-year warranty with Accoya wood.
Customizable colors and divided-lite configurations to suit your preferences.