I have a client that wants window mullions for 8 double hung windows. The windows are late 1800 and have 6 panes in the top half but someone has replaced the lower half with one big pane and so they want to match the upper mullions. Making the mullions is not the problem as I see it, attaching them to the exterior glass is. Has anyone put some mullions in a window and how did you attach them. I thought about using fine brads where the mullions meet the putty around the edge but I am not sure if this would be effective or strong enough to with stand the cold winters and freezing rain & snow in this area. Any suggestions????
Edited 8/12/2008 11:17 pm ET by mrbird90
Replies
If the date is late in the 19th century, ie. late 1800s, it would be quite common for windows to have plain lower sashes as the original design, not a later replacement. I'd bet that window plan is original to the house.
I'd go look at how commercial windows deal with the muntin's. What I see is the muntin grid adhered directly to the glass. Of course, to really look plausible, particularly right below genuine divided lights, it would have to be done on both interior and exterior. and only on single pane glass. leaving for separate consideration how to deal with energy bills. (Wood storm windows look authentic and work about as well, or even better, than double pane glass, while maintaining a traditional look.)
I'm with Steve. 6/1 is likely original. See this article on "Colonial Revival" style, circa 1880 - 1930.
http://www.oldhousechronicle.net/archives/vol01/issue04/styles/colreviv.html
Are you using single pane glass, or are these windows double pane insulated glass? Original muntins/mullions were mortised into the rails & stiles. Replacement is tough without disassembling the whole window. If you just want to glue fake moulding onto the glass, I'd guess CA glue over carefully prepared moulding would work. I'd consider using Azek or a similar material to make the moulding.
You may want to post this over on Breaktime -- give a shout for Sphere -- he does a bunch of work restoring sash.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Mr. Bird:
I recently made a double-hung sash window for my bathroom using spanish cedar. The top sash has nine lights and the bottom is single. The mullions and muntins are attached using 5mm x 30mm loose tenons (Festool Dominoes). A simple jig allowed for accurate placement.
It was surprisingly easy to do and no brads to rust!
I've attached three photos of the finished frames and the jigs.
Hastings
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled