Porthole Window Restoration
Complete off-site restoration of classic Mt Lebanon cut glass porthole accent window.
Porthole window significantly damaged by pooling water, and weather.
The cut glass pane is also in great need of repair. The joints and solder of the came (lattice) stretches and weathers, becoming loose and brittle.
The sash was bad enough, but the sill/frame was in far worse shape. Porthole windows are especially susceptible to pooling water in the bottom of the frame.
The round sections of the frame, sash, and trim are cut from larger pieces of lumber. This leaves the end grain of the wood exposed on the inside of the frame. Deterioration like this is very common.
The job began by removing the sash as carefully as possible, to preserve the cut glass pane. that done, the frame was removed piece by piece, taking measurements and notes.
The pieces of frame were stripped. New pieces were fabricated out of spanish cedar to replaced those that were ruined/missing. The frame was reconstructed, clamped and re-glued. Once rebuilt, it was finely sanded, primed, and repainted twice.
The crumbling cut glass panels was rebuilt by Williams Glass Studio in Castle Shannon, and a new sash was re-created by Allied Millwork on Penn Ave.
Reinstallation was as delicate a job as the removal. Clamped from the inside, the frame was remounted to the sheathing.
The interior bezel was repaired and restored. It too plays a structural and cosmetic role. all fasteners were countersunk, and concealed.
A bit of caulking and a few fresh coats of paint finished it all off.
The exposed sheathing and all joints were carefully filled and sealed, and primed/painted at least 4 times.
Anew strip of brass weather strip was cut and layered into the jamb to ensure a snug, draft free seal.
It was a pleasure to contribute to the proud tradition of Mt Lebanon's cut/stained glass accent windows.