So I'm not going to go into too much detail about what lead to this particular project but let's just say we needed to replace all of our windows...all 12...8 foot gothic windows...it was not a project we anticipated at all....but it was a project that became urgent....we needed to get these windows replaced before we faced a second winter living here....
The search began...I called dozens of window people...they would find out the age of the house and they would quickly get off the phone or not call us back....how can that many people lose my number..???.
It became my job to find a solution...all the while I needed to meet with the heritage committee because our windows were a protected feature of this old place...140 year old stained glass original windows.
The process was painless with the heritage committee...we all have the same goal...save this building...nothing should be done that can harm it or jeopardize this building lasting for decades to come...it is the last remaining frame church still standing and it is a treasure.
This is a photo I took the day we took possession December 12th 2016...this house now looks completely different...we think we have given this place the finishing touches it needed.
Today...November 2017
The center of the windows was etched ...
We met with about 6 companies here and most said they couldn't help us...they didn't want to do this job...many were at a loss as to how to remedy our issues...we were really stressed about the windows...like I said this needed to be resolved before another winter...too much was at stake.
Aren't they beautiful....?
All the old windows have found new homes...most went to local residents and many even went to family members of the original builder of these windows...
I finally found a window builder....we had to go with wood windows and I wanted to find someone that could truly make us the proper wood windows that were in keeping with the historic style and were thermal....
We simplified the design but were inspired by the original windows...we wanted to go with clear glass as stained glass thermal was not an option...and we opted for painted and chose to go with Jet black by Benjamin Moore...that was definitely the right decision...the windows are such a huge feature and going with black only accentuated them...we love the new windows...we got them in September and immediately opened all the windows and let all the fresh air in...
The company we chose was local to the Toronto area and I had seen that they had previously done gothic windows so I hoped they were the right people...immediately I knew they were the right people. I was able to visit the workshop where the windows were going to be built by hand....
So the windows are mahogany and another wood....oh I can't remember now...they are true divided lites and tilt in sash style...I was able to select the hardware for the windows...they are incredible windows...when they arrived we were blown away...
The installation was pretty major, a lot of repair work had to be done... this was not a simple pop out and in job...every window jam had to be cut out there was a mess in there....I'm not going to get into it...I just need to try to forget about it honestly....I keep saying I am going to write a book about our experience moving to the country and into an old home...
The install took many days and they took great care of containing the mess...not having replaced even a single window in any of our houses I had no idea how messy it could be...especially with 140 years of yuck that was trapped in the jams among other very yucky things....
I love seeing how carpenters work away and solve problems as they go..in this location our wall was out 1-2 inches at the top...
Prior to this installation we worked very hard to get as much of the painting of the trim work completed...it is so bright and airy in the house now...it is a new home...
It felt like Christmas morning...the windows are stunning...it was so exciting to open up windows...something you take for granted.
We were able to keep the stained glass above the front door as it has a thermal window on top of it...so it functions alright...
I am so grateful for these guys the carpenters that installed our amazing windows...they worked their butts off....in a bit of a heat wave...
Thank you Authentic Windows...
We've come a long long way....
So far we've had to replace the driveway... the front door...and the windows just to name a few things...its been a crazy 10 months...to say the least.
No comments:
Post a Comment