Jamb Restoration

Jamb restoration removes lead paint and facilitates window operation

For the sake of defining the scope of a restoration project, we find it useful to divide the window into four different sets of parts:

  • Exterior casing or window frame
  • Interior casing or window frame
  • Sashes and associated parts that contribute to functionality
  • Window jamb

The bulk of the work of window restoration focuses on the third set of parts listed above–sash and functional restoration. But in almost all cases, the window jamb also needs to be restored in order to recover smooth functioning.

The jamb consists of the sidewalls, top, and bottom (the sill) of the frame in which the sashes fit and ride up and down when the window is open and closed. . Here are the reasons we recommend window jamb restoration be included in any given window restoration project:

  • Improperly applied paint in window jambs is a major source of poor operation
  • This improperly applied paint also, then, is a major source for the creation of lead paint dust
  • Window sills are typically in need of some repair
  • It is difficult to properly seal windows with retrofitted weather-seals without removing paint from the jambs
  • As these images attest, jamb restoration is essential to the aesthetics of a window.  Window pulleys really look nice when they aren’t slathered with thick coats of degraded paint!