My Gorgeous Antique Windows Have Turned Into a Nightmare!

Hi Everyone,

I began this post about my Boston condo windows five days ago, and even made a little video, but when it came to edit it so that it made sense, all I could see were hundreds of words on a page. My tank was on empty. My nagging back turned into an angry beast.

Thank you for all your kind comments, whether posted here or sent via email. I didn’t answer all of them, but I so appreciate your taking the time to write. I know some of you want to help, and I’m fine with you sharing your experiences, as well as what worked or didn’t work for your specific problem. But please, no advice. Lower back pain occurs for dozens of reasons, and mine is no mystery because I’ve had it before. It’s my sacroiliac joint, not my spine. I suspected, and my doctor confirmed it.

Unfortunately, it was affecting my tummy, too. Friday was rough, but I’m much better now.

 

Please know that I’ve consulted with my doctors, who have recommended a sound treatment plan, and it’s helping.

 

Still, I am paying attention to the warning. I MUST take more breaks when I hit a wall instead of pushing through as I usually do.

The problem is that taking breaks means a loss of income.*** And that’s a loss on top of a loss in the last three years, primarily due to massive changes with Google.

Not your problem. It’s mine.

However, I sometimes feel this pressure to complete things that are impossible to do quickly, like my windows. We’re about to get into it in a sec.

 

Some of you are worried about the light fading stuff through my windows.

 

It’s not. The light at this time of year is too indirect or in shadow to do much harm, although over a period of years, it still could.

 

Above is silk rot from the sun.

 

Please understand that I’m well aware of the dangers of UV light. I wrote a post about it and other nightmares with fabric. 

 

***

Coincidentally, my son Cale was here for 24 hours from 10:30 Saturday morning to 10:30 this morning. So, he helped me, but we also went for a walk in the rain, did some shopping, and got a healthy smoothie.

***Ugh, it isn’t easy to rest. (Please see above.)

Fortunately, this post is written, I only need to make it better organized totally rewrite the entire bloody thing. ;]

 

Yes, because in writing this post, I realize now all of the problem with the windows and can be more succinct.

 

Ironically, I’ve had the window treatments for at least a month. However, they cannot simply be installed, or they’ll get wrecked.

 

This isn’t just about getting the windows washed and booking the installer.

 

If only!

The least pressing problem at the moment is the broken window sash in the den.

 

 

I’d like to get it fixed, but to simplify things, I can wait on that one. The problem with the busted cord is that the window can no longer stay open on its own.

 

Above is a close-up.

The image above was taken about two months ago. I have the window propped open with two left-over kitchen tiles.

 

The biggest problem with the windows is the security bars.

 

I want them off as I stated the other day.

 

Here are the issues.

 

• One can’t just have them removed. They are outside and attached to the building, and if you recall, no changes can occur without written approval, from the architectural commission, and it’s a big deal. Yes, I know. They aren’t original to the building and they are ugly AF. Still, I most likely need formal permission.
• Second, I need approval from the condo association. That one should be okay because:
• As long as the windows are secure, they won’t care.

 

But then…

 

• There are building codes. I might need a permit. Why? The living room window connected to the fire escape is considered an egress window. Yes, I know it’s ridiculous. Of course, we will not do anything that would stop one from being able to open up the window and escape.

  However, we need to make the windows intruder-proof.

 

For the last two months, I’ve tried to find a company that can complete all of the window needs.

 

Dream on!

I have spent hours on this, and either my queries are not answered, or they suddenly disappear. One place has someone answering that sounds like an AI bot. I’m not joking.

 

 

Let’s examine how someone might break in and address each one.

 

1. They open the window and crawl in.

2. Another way someone could break in is by smashing the glass.

Apparently, that one is quite easy to do. However, with the density of buildings, that would be quite risky. I mean, someone would really want to get into that particular unit.

 

While that’s exceedingly unlikely, the possibility still exists.

 

And, of course, the issue is that we’re not only talking about my security, but also the security of the other people living in our condominium.

Two years ago, when I was working with an architect, he suggested storm windows with unbreakable glass. That’s a great idea, except I know that they would be prohibitively expensive. On the other hand, they would block out the noise from the garbage and other trucks that use the alley.

But, I don’t have the funds for that. So, let’s scrap that idea.

 

The best option is security film.

 

Security film comes in different thicknesses. While the window can still break, it would take a wrecking ball to break the glass, allowing one to access the unit.

 Security film also comes with UV protection. So, then we’re covered.

The film is usually applied to the inside of the glass. It can also be applied to the outside. I am sure it’s not cheap, but a lot less than storm windows.

 

As for opening the windows and crawling in, what is needed is known as Window Opening Control Device. (WOCD).

 

They make it impossible to open the window more than a few inches. I’m sure many of you have them. If you live in a high-rise, for example, you most likely have them installed so that people can’t fall out of the window.

B & E are supposed to return to put up some more shelves for me. I don’t know when. However, they can also return to put up the WOCDs. There are four windows, and it shouldn’t take them more than a couple of hours to complete that task.

Ideally, I’d love the bars to be removed before the windows are cleaned. I found the keys to open them up. They were in my storage closet on a shelf very close to the door. Gosh, guys. It was two years ago that the renovation was underway.

Now, the window film people will also clean the windows, but they are so dirty, and I need the frames cleaned as well.

 

Below is an example of window film and a WOCD

 

 

Then, after the windows are clean, I can have the shades installed.

 

Therefore, I can book the window washers, then book the installer for the Roman shades.

While that’s happening, I can investigate permissions and take any necessary actions.

Once I have the green light, then the security film can be applied, followed by the removal of the bars and the installation of the WOCDs.

Is it any wonder I’m tired?

 

Below is a video I made last Tuesday, before I had time to mull things over.

 

 

Yesterday after our errands and walk in the rain, I noticed a wee sparrow perched on top of one of the security bars. So cute. He was trying to stay dry as it was still raining. I couldn’t help but notice that he was staring at the Gracie panels. I guess he was trying to figure out why the birds weren’t moving. ;]

 

And now for your surprise.

 

 

Yes, David from Romantic English came through as promised! `And the tapestries are gorgeous! More about that soon!

 

I hope you’re all doing well!

xo,

 

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