Old House
ImprovementA RESTORATION JOURNAL
Understand what you have.
Make the next repair count.

THE RESTORATION DESK / CURATED TOPIC

Windows & drafts

Start with the question in front of you. These completed guides give you a useful first inspection and a clearer next step.

01
WINDOWS, DOORS & DRAFTS

Where Old Wood Windows Leak Air—and How to Find the Gaps

Find the joint before you choose the seal. A gentle, repeatable walkaround for original wood windows.

02
WINDOWS, DOORS & DRAFTS

Caulk or Weatherstripping? How to Choose Without Sealing Moving Parts

Choose weatherstripping for an appropriate moving joint and caulk for a suitable stationary joint. That simple distinction helps you avoid sealing an old window shut, but it is only the beginning of choosing the right repair.

03
WINDOWS, DOORS & DRAFTS

Why Your Old Door Sticks: A No-Damage Inspection Guide

A sticking old door does not automatically need its edge shaved down. First identify when it catches, where it contacts, and whether the condition has changed, while leaving paint, hardware, and original woodwork undisturbed.

04
WINDOWS, DOORS & DRAFTS

Storm Windows and Original Sashes: How the Layers Work Together

A storm window adds another layer to an existing window rather than turning the original sash into a modern sealed glazing unit. To understand the arrangement, follow the layers from the room to the outdoors and keep…

05
WINDOWS, DOORS & DRAFTS

How to Measure a Door Gap Before You Buy a Seal

Measure the actual joint you plan to seal, not simply the width and height of the door. A useful measurement record shows the available mounting surface, the variation in clearance, and how the door normally closes.

06
BUYING GUIDE

Best Weatherstripping Options for Original Wood Windows: Spring Bronze vs. Self-Stick V-Seal

Spring-bronze metal strip and self-stick V-seal offer different weatherstripping approaches for particular wood-window contacts. If you are shopping for an original window, begin with its arrangement and the actual joint…

07
BUYING GUIDE

Best Window-Glazing Tools for Small Wood-Sash Repairs

A small wood-sash glazing repair can involve shaping compound and handling glazing points, which are different tool tasks. Before you buy a kit, identify the work that has actually been assessed and keep the condition of the…

TOOLS FOLLOW THE QUESTION

Need a meter after the inspection?

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