Every project is unique

Bring your windows back to their original state.

Restoration focuses on any structural or cosmetic repairs needed to return the window to its original state. During this treatment, we will remove the window unit entirely and treat not only the sashes but also the window jamb. Weatherstripping can be included in this type of work, which is a type of insulative measure installed to promote better efficiency with moisture and temperature. Some factors that will influence the pricing for this estimate include if your windows have been caulked, painted, nailed, or screwed shut over time, their general shape, and how much rot they have. SWR recommends all windows be made operational for their continued health and function. A general schedule of restoration may include:

• Remove upper sash, lower sash, interior stops, parting beads, and exterior stops
• Scrape, sand, prime, and paint jamb
• Restring weights with new sash cord
• Deglaze sashes, remove glass
• Scrape and sand sashes, stops, and parting beads
• Operational repairs and cuts for proper fit
• Application of weatherstripping
• Prime and paint sashes and stops
• Bed and glaze upper and lower sashes
• Install hardware (can be cleaned or restored by request)
• Install both sashes and all components
• Touch-ups

Acknowledge the passage of time while still upkeeping your windows.

Conservation is designed to help facilitate operation to a window unit, while also treating any rot and deterioration that has taken place within the unit. It focuses on fixing broken ropes and allowing sashes to operate once more, addressing any rot, and also refitting and ensuring the window will operate smoothly. The balance system should operate to keep the window counterbalanced and open by itself. New hardware may be needed to allow proper operation and locking. Conservation also often includes reglazing and the application of proper weatherstripping. Factors that will influence the pricing for this estimate include if your windows have been caulked, painted, nailed, or screwed shut over time. SWR recommends all windows be made operational for their continued health and function.  A general schedule of window conservation may include:

• Remove lower sash, upper sash, interior stops, and parting beads
• Refit 
• Deglaze, remove broken glass
• Bed and glaze as needed
• Application of weatherstripping (upper and lower sash)
• Paint glazing
• Restring weights
• Install operable sashes
• Touch-ups as needed

When your windows have been lost or destroyed.

The reproduction of historically accurate window units using appropriate materials and joinery methods. This treatment is available for any clients that wish to have their architectural features recreated and installed. Reconstruction should not be thought of as a “replacement” method, as we will recommend preserving and restoring any historic windows that are in fair shape before replacement. Many clients however find they have contemporary units or historically inaccurate replacements and would like to recreate the authenticity of their building. SWR uses traditional building materials and methods to create an in-kind replacement that not only complements the building but will also stand the test of time.  Some factors that will influence the pricing for this estimate include if the jambs are original. If original jambs are in place, SWR will attempt to install pulleys and use the weight pockets for function. If new contemporary jambs are in place, extensive work may need to happen to make sure there is a proper sill, apron, and stool. Hardware will need to be purchased to match the new unit, and balance systems outside of ropes and pulleys may be needed. If the window is to be made stain-grade, the estimate will also increase as SWR will need to spend more time choosing appropriate matching wood-grain and finishing the windows to stain-grade specification. A general schedule of window reconstruction may include:

• Remove existing unit
• Take measurements
• Drawing and design
• Choose lumber, mill, and assemble
• Prime and paint/oil and stain
• Bed and glaze panes
• Paint glazing once cured
• Install hardware
• Install sashes, stops, and parting beads
• Touch-ups as needed

Send your doors through a time machine.

Like the windows, this treatment will remove the door and treat the jamb as well. Weatherstripping can be included in this type of work. A general schedule of door restoration may include:

• Remove door
• Scrape, sand, prime, and paint jamb
• Deglaze door (if applicable)
• Scrape and sand door
• Operational repairs 
• Make cuts for fit and/or weatherstripping
• bed and glaze (if applicable)
• Prime and paint, or oil and stain
• Reinstall hardware
• Install operable door
• Touch ups as needed

Keep the door and the character.

With doors, conservation can vary widely. It may be consolidating any portions of rot that exist on the door or ensure that the door functions without sticking. New hardware may be needed to allow proper operation and locking. Conservation may also includes reglazing if applicable, and the application of proper weatherstripping. A general schedule of what door conservation includes:

• Remove door or piece(s) needing repair
• Deglaze door (if applicable)
• Make any necessary cuts for fit, weatherstripping, etc.
• Application of weatherstripping, new stops, jamb repairs, etc.
• Bed and glaze (if applicable)
• Install hardware
• Install operable door

Rebuild a portal into your home's historic past.

This treatment is available for any clients that wish to have their doors re-milled and installed. Weatherstripping can be included in this type of work. Reconstruction should not be thought of as a “replacement” method, as we will recommend preserving and restoring any historic doors that are in fair shape before replacement. However, many clients find they have contemporary units or historically inaccurate replacements and would like to recreate the authenticity of their building. SWR uses all traditional building materials and methods to create an in-kind replacement that not only complements the building but also will last as long as their historical counterparts. A general schedule for door reconstruction includes:

• Remove existing unit
• Take measurements
• Drawing and design
• Choose lumber, mill, and assemble door
• Application of weatherstripping (if applicable)
• Prime and paint/oil and stain
• Bed and glaze panes (if applicable)
• Paint glazing once cured (or install sticking)
• Install hardware
• Install door
• Touch-ups as needed

Shutters are unique, complicated operating systems.

In New Orleans, louvered shutters and board-and-baton shutters make up the majority of protective window coverings. Louvers can easily become dislodged during a storm or decay over time. Just like windows and doors, the frames of shutters can deteriorate and rot. A list of tasks performed during a restoration is as follows:

• Remove shutters from jamb, remove hardware
• Take measurements 
• Clean hardware
• Scrape and sand shutters as needed or in full
• Ensure control arm is working properly
• Repair rot and replace components as necessary
• Operational repairs (including re-pegging, and squaring)
• Prime and paint shutters
• Install hardware
• Install shutters
• Touch ups as needed

Sometimes shutters just need some TLC.

Shutters serve a highly utilitarian purpose so it’s important that they operate properly. The last thing someone wants to worry about when a hurricane is on its way, is whether or not their shutters will close properly. Through conservation SWR will focus on the functionality of your shutters, while also taking care of any rot that could hinder the continuing function of the shutters. A list of conservation tasks is as follows:

• Remove shutters from jamb, remove hardware
• Refit (squaring and re-pegging)
• Wood epoxy on any rot
• Replacements where necessary
• Reinstall shutters and hardware

Sometimes rebuilding is your best option.

Shutters are often damaged severely in storms, exhibiting rot or poor previous repairs, or sometimes just misplaced. SWR is equipped to make historic reconstructions of shutters from your home using traditional building techniques and in-kind material designed to last. A list of tasks needed during Reconstruction are as follow:

• Take measurements, drawings
• Order new hardware
• Choose lumber, mill, and assemble shutters
• Fit
• Prime and paint shutters
• Install hardware
• Install shutters
• Touch ups as needed

Historic quality pieces to fit any need.

While Staub Window Restorations is versed in recreating historic wooden elements that may have been destroyed by natural disasters, human intervention, or simply time, we are also skilled tradespeople capable of creating custom work that may have never existed at all. We are happy to create beautiful, long lasting work for your home that will age as gracefully as the rest of your historic house. Are you removing a contemporary addition and want a custom piece in its place? SWR can work in collaboration with clients to discuss their wishes and ideas. We can create decorative pieces using source content such as milling catalogues from the time period of the home to compliment its identity. At SWR, we can also create decorative pieces that are not meant to be a part of the envelope of a home. We have created mementos of existing historic architectural features for people that had to move from childhood homes to have on display in their next residence, scaled to fit a space the client chooses.

Healthy brick healthy mind

Your brick walls need to breathe or they will deteriorate. Many walls have been coated with impermeable materials over time and/or their mortar replaced with inappropriate materials which can cause harm to softer historic bricks. Our team offers basic conservation of historic masonry through safe removal without harming the integrity of your building.

During the repointing process, SWR will remove any inappropriate mortar and aggregate and replace it with an appropriate hydraulic lime mortar mix. We repoint sloppy joints and can clean brick that has been covered over time.

The lay of the land

At SWR, we have SOI qualified members with masters degrees in Historic Preservation that use their education to help define our preservation standards. Your needs will always be our priority. Submit an inquiry on our website or call the office and someone from our team will provide details on our estimate process and set up a time to look at the project with you. There is a fee associated with receiving estimates and recommendations. If a contract is signed, the fee will be credited to your invoice. During the visit, a specialist will speak with you regarding the state of the building or architectural element, provide a conditions assessment, and answer any questions you may have regarding SWR’s methods and commitment to preservation.

Building a Narrative

The historic features of one’s home are representations of previous periods and the lives of previous inhabitants. Our experienced team can perform research in order to build a story that not only highlights the architectural significance of individual historic structures, but also sheds light on the stylistic and geographic context, along with interesting insights into the people that lived there. Let us paint a picture not only of a single faceted look at your home, but also the contextual basis of how it fits into its time period and contributes to a better understanding of the built environment of Louisiana. A research project on your home will provide information on:

• Plat records and development of the area before the home was built.
• Architectural style, and what inspired it.
• Building type, and how this helped the owners function.
• Family history including a full chain of title.
• Unique discoveries and factoids that make a home unique.

Contact us about setting up research for your historic home and build a story of your own.

Keeping an eye on things

SWR is a constantly expanding business full of passionate individuals that love what we do, but even we have our limits. Due to an increase in demand and limited resources, we may not be able to take on your large-scale projects. However, SWR is always available on a consultation basis. We can oversee any and all work that is contracted for your job to ensure that the standards of preservation and craftsmanship are upheld. With consultation, we can be available as part-time supervisors on site, or we can create an in-depth brief for the project which is to be followed by the contractors employed and then inspected by SWR.

Taking a closer look

Structures that meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation are qualified for 20% federal and 25% state tax credits. Let us handle the application process for you and take advantage of a wonderful program that promotes preservation initiatives.

Putting the paperwork together

SWR will obtain any certificates or permits necessary for work on your property. We will also follow up after completion to ensure permits are closed and inspections have been passed. We work with many historic homes located in HDLC districts, VCC districts, and can help our clients understand the regulations that need to need to be navigated with each project.