Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Historic Window & Door Restoration Services
Founded in 1982, we pioneered the historic window restoration industry with a commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Our 30,000-square-foot facility employs advanced green technologies, including chemical-free paint stripping and epoxy restoration, to preserve original forest wood and steel elements. With expertise in over 14 eco-friendly practices, we serve commercial, institutional, and residential clients nationwide, holding approvals from leading preservation agencies. Our team of specialists, some with over 16 years of experience, combines traditional techniques with modern innovations to extend the life of historic materials. We adhere strictly to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, ensuring every project maintains historical integrity while meeting contemporary performance needs.Our work spans over 60 National Register properties, demonstrating our leadership in sustainable preservation. We guarantee 100% client satisfaction through transparent processes, custom milling capabilities, and a focus on solving unique restoration challenges without predetermined solutions. Our patented Lightwave Stripping technology and HEPA-filtered systems exemplify our commitment to environmental responsibility. We provide comprehensive services including glazing, hardware restoration, and weatherproofing, ensuring each restored element lasts another century. As recognized leaders, weve received multiple awards for innovation and sustainability in historic preservation.
Services
Historic Window Restoration
Steel Window Restoration
Door Restoration
Chemical-Free Paint Removal
Architectural Element Restoration
Furniture Restoration
Custom Milling Services
Glass Conversion
Hardware Restoration
Green Stripping
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 35+ years pioneering historic window restoration techniques
- 30,000 sq. ft. dedicated restoration facility with specialized equipment
- 14+ green practices including patented chemical-free stripping technology
- Approved contractor for National Park Service and state preservation agencies
- Technical expertise in epoxy restoration and custom milling to original specifications
Associations and certifications
- National Park Service
- Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
- Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois
- Chicago Landmarks Commission
- Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy
What people say
Exemplary service
Well executed repairs
High quality installations
Technical expertise
Green practices
Services
Historic Window Restoration
Our comprehensive window restoration process includes chemical-free paint stripping, epoxy consolidation, and custom milling to original specifications. We preserve historic integrity while incorporating modern energy-efficient upgrades like insulating glass conversion. Each window receives meticulous attention to detail, ensuring structural stability and aesthetic authenticity for another century of use.
Chemical-Free Paint Removal
Our patented Lightwave Stripping technology removes multiple paint layers without chemicals using precise light wave applications. This environmentally friendly method preserves original wood substrates while meeting strict EPA standards. The HEPA-filtered system captures 99% of particulates, ensuring safe and sustainable restoration for both wood and steel surfaces.
Architectural Element Restoration
We restore decorative wood and steel elements including crown molding, baseboards, and bas-reliefs to their original condition. Utilizing traditional joinery techniques alongside modern epoxy systems, our craftsmen maintain historical accuracy while enhancing structural integrity. All work follows the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation.
Steel Window Restoration
Our steel window restoration includes blast cleaning, rust removal, and metal epoxy repairs. We preserve original profiles while upgrading weatherproofing systems and glazing options. The process combines traditional welding techniques with modern corrosion-resistant coatings to extend service life while maintaining historical authenticity.
Custom Milling Services
We recreate missing or damaged components using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and true divided-lite construction. Our custom milling matches original profiles exactly, preserving shadow lines and architectural details. This ensures seamless integration with existing historic elements while meeting modern performance standards.
People
Gail Wallace
President
Founder and president since 1982, Gail Wallace pioneered the first comprehensive window restoration process in Illinois. Recognized nationally for developing green restoration practices, she leads with 40+ years of preservation expertise. Her vision established America's first dedicated restoration facility.
Questions
Why should I restore historic windows instead of replacing them?
Original forest wood windows from pre-1940s contain dense heartwood with superior durability and aesthetic qualities unavailable in modern replacements. Our restoration process extends their life another century while maintaining historical integrity and reducing environmental impact.
What green practices do you use in restoration?
We employ 14+ eco-friendly methods including patented chemical-free Lightwave Stripping, HEPA-filtered dust extraction, and complete material recycling. Our processes reduce landfill waste by 90% compared to replacement while maintaining historical accuracy.
Can you restore windows to meet modern energy efficiency standards?
Yes, we incorporate insulating glass units and advanced weatherstripping systems while preserving original profiles. This maintains historical appearance while improving thermal performance to meet current building codes.
What types of properties do you work with?
We serve commercial, institutional, government, museum, residential, and religious properties. Our portfolio includes over 60 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including hotels, schools, and landmark residences.
How long does the restoration process take?
Project timelines vary by scope, but our facility handles large-scale jobs efficiently. Typical commercial projects take 6-12 weeks from receipt to completion, with expedited options available for urgent needs.
Do you offer on-site consultation services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive assessments of window and architectural element conditions, including material analysis and restoration recommendations. Our consultants work with architects and property owners to develop preservation plans.
