How to Restore Vintage Pella Windows

How to Restore Vintage Pella Windows
Circa 1958-1970: Exterior glazing will be replaced on these vintage Pella windows.

How to Restore Vintage Pella Windows

If you love the style and functionality of your older Pella windows, there is a good chance they can be reconditioned and restored.

These were a popular choice for homes built in the mid-fifties through the early 70’s because of the simplicity and quality of their design and materials. These are great windows and little beats this look on mid-century homes. Careful preparation and precision may be required for fixing older Pella Casement Windows.

“I grew up in a home with Pella Casement Windows from the early sixties. They remain the best windows that I’ve encountered in my fifty years of painting houses in the Twin Cities.“ – William Nunn

With careful assessment, a good plan, patience, and an adequate budget, refurbishing these wood windows can be a rewarding and economical path to choose. One of their remarkable characteristics is the large glass area for viewing given the window’s size. Many replacement window brands have less glass area, which can reduce incoming light.

Planning Your Pella Window Restoration

Restoring these windows is a multi-step process that starts with a full assessment to determine the scope of the work. The process typically includes preparing surfaces, fixing any issues, cleaning and lubricating hardware, and refinishing wooden components. Professional expertise is best to handle the overall project.

What’s involved in the assessment phase: understanding your Pella windows

  • Operating Sashes: Examining how the sash aligns within the frame to guarantee proper function.
  • Glass: Evaluating if new glass is needed due to damage or to improve thermal efficiency.
  • Hardware: Assessing the ease of removal, cleaning, lubricating, and re-installing.
  • Wood Condition: Assessing the degree of rot, damage, or needed repair to the wood surfaces.
  • Window Tracks: Examine whether your windows are prone to sticking, binding, or having difficulty opening and closing.
  • Refinishing: Determining the level of cleaning and surface repairs needed before refinishing.
  • Window Fit: The fit may have changed since installation day. Exposure to the elements, changing temperatures, and general wear and tear can cause subtle changes to the size and shape of your windows.
  • Color Matching: Testing stains and colors to match or alter the existing surface finishes.

Answering Your Questions About Restoring Pella WindowsProfessional help to restore old Pella windows

Can old Pella windows be repaired?

While you may save the window with its older glass and features, If the sash is in extremely poor condition, taking it apart requires great care to not destroy it. Otherwise, you repair the window with a new sash.

Can Pella windows be reglazed?

To “reglaze old Pella windows” means to replace the existing glass panes in your old Pella windows with new ones. This restores their functionality by removing the old glazing compound and installing fresh glass. It is best to use a professional who is familiar with addressing safety concerns when handling glass. While this is generally an interior painting project, access to exterior surfaces is likely also needed.

Pella Impervia direct set windows are newer. They use an offset mullion for mulling to a product with a 3″ frame depth, while factory-mulled options will remain the same for greater simplicity. These windows have an enhanced design to allow a reglazing option that requires access only to the interior of the window.

How many years do Pella windows last?

With proper care, your Pella windows can last indefinitely. They are designed to be looked after and have lower maintenance needs. A window’s lifespan can easily be 100 years, or longer when made of quality materials, were professionally installed, and are well maintained.

“We replaced drafty, damaged windows in a 1920s home with historically accurate wood windows that refreshed the entire home’s aesthetic.” – Pella Window Customer, Wood Window Replacement Preserves Historic Home

How do you clean old Pella double hung windows?

There are little, movable ears that hold the glass in place in the wood frame. When these metal keepers are released, this simple window cleaning system lets you clean the glass and revarnish wood components, if needed.

We take care to label parts and location when removing the inner glass, clean everything carefully, and allow all to dry before reassembly.

Is it easy to repair Pella window screens?

These early Pella windows incorporate metal screens mounted on separate slender wooden frames. These are easily attached to the interior side of the window. It is a simple process to take them off to clean, and repairs are simple if damage should occur.

Are hardware replacement parts available for old Pella windows?

Many parts are available from Pella. However, hardware is very specific, and substitutions are best managed by an expert. Sometimes independent hardware stores still have a supply of older stock.

Is it better to replace or fix old Pella window frames?

An in-person assessment by William Nunn Painting provides specific recommendations on whether repairing is a viable option. Understanding the condition of your windows allows us to give more tailored advice. For example, how much millwork trim restoration is involved? Similarly, it is often better to repair than replace wood on older homes.

How easy is it to replace the glass in Pella wood Frames?

The early Pella casement windows employed a metal weather seal that ran around the edges of the movable sash. This metal strip is allowed to flex. As the window closes, the shape of the casement opening compresses the seal.

The early Pella casement windows employed a metal weather seal that ran around the edges of the movable sash. This metal strip is allowed to flex. As the window closes, the shape of the casement opening compresses the seal.

How can you tell how old a Pella window is?

Pella Reserve Wood Window with diagonal wood inserts
A new Pella Reserve Double Hung Window with True Divided Lites

We may help you find your Pella serial number.

According to Pella, “The date stamp is located approximately 2″ to 4″ from one corner of the unit.” Locating the date stamp varies based on the type and year of manufacture. Information about your product may also be obtained from the place of purchase or by contacting your local Pella Window and showroom.

How to repair weather seals on vintage Pella windows?

The early Pella casement windows employ a metal weather seal that runs around the edges of the movable sash. This metal strip is allowed to flex. As the window closes, the shape of the casement opening serves to compress the seal as it closes.

This metal seal is often covered in paint from over the years, but this paint can be removed to restore effective easy performance.

Adding Value to Minneapolis Homes With Window Refurbishment Projects

Ultimately, the best course of action will depend on:

  • The specific model and age of your windows.
  • The extent of the damage.
  • Your priorities for your home’s aesthetics.
  • Your personal goals for your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Your budget and project time considerations.

We set a long-term goal in every refurbishing project to ensure value to the homeowner. Steps throughout our work processes protect the wood windows from future weather, moisture, and rodent issues cropping up. This way your windows will look great and function properly for years to come.

CONCLUSION: Options for Pella Window Restorations

Restoring vintage Pella windows is an investment in your home’s beauty, originality, and value. With the right approach, these well-made windows can last for many years and continue to add unique charm.

By scheduling a free consultation, William Nunn Painting can best assess the individual parts of your Pella windows, gaining a better understanding of their state. This enables us to offer practical recommendations for your home and helps you make an informed choice when seeking to restore your windows.

Call 612 825-3875 and ask for William Nunn