Removing muntins

10 years ago

I have a set of four single-hung wood windows in the rear of my midcentury house, and I've decided to restore them rather than replacing them. The issue is this: Each sash (upper, fixed and lower, movable) is divided horizontally in two with a wood muntin. These are not "simulated lites"; this is the real thing. It's single-pane glass, and I doubt the glass or the windows have ever been replaced (or washed, for that matter) since the house was built in 1949.

I understand their decorative/period appeal, but they darken the room and block my view. I want to take them out if that's possible and replace the "2-lites" on each sash panel with a single pane of glass. Does anyone have any experience doing this? I am extremely handy and know how to do simple things with a router and various tools, but I am not a woodworker.

Thank you all--this is my first post after years of lurking.

Josephine

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Comments (2)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
Josephine,

There are companies out there that retrofit existing single pane windows and convert them to insulated glass. At that point, the structural muntins come out and are replaced with another style of stop and glazing bead to accommodate the dual pane sealed unit.

It definitely can be done.

I am not sure it is a real DIY range project but I can't comment on your woodworking skills personally.

I would search for some of those restoration companies first and see what they say.

There is a good "Old House" section of this board that is filled with good content on this subject.
PRO
Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
10 years ago
I love when people want to simply restore their original wood windows. Nothing beats the look. What I would do is remove the glass in the sash and take a look at the muntins. They should be simple to remove, but it's hard to say with how much putty and paint build up there is. I don't see it as being too difficult.
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