Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Historic Window & Door Restoration Services
Since 1982, Restoration Works has been a pioneer in historic preservation and green restoration practices. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to restore windows, doors, and architectural elements to their original splendor. With a 30,000-square-foot facility and craftspeople boasting decades of experience, we adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Properties while implementing 14+ environmentally sustainable practices.Our patented Lightwave Stripping technology and epoxy restoration methods have set industry benchmarks, earning recognition from the National Park Service and multiple sustainability awards. We specialize in extending the lifespan of irreplaceable original forest wood and steel components, ensuring historic integrity while meeting modern energy efficiency standards.
Services
Wood Window Restoration
Steel Window Restoration
Historic Door Restoration
Chemical-Free Paint Removal
Architectural Element Restoration
Furniture Restoration
Insulating Glass Conversion
Epoxy Structural Repair
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 35+ years pioneering historic restoration techniques
- 30,000 sq. ft. dedicated restoration facility
- Patented chemical-free Lightwave Stripping technology
- 14+ Green practices including material recycling
- Award-winning sustainability and preservation expertise
Associations and certifications
- National Park Service
- Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
- Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois
- Chicago Landmarks Commission
What people say
Exemplary service
High quality installations
Award-winning sustainability
Technical expertise
Historic preservation excellence
Services
Wood Window Restoration
Our comprehensive wood window restoration process includes chemical-free stripping using patented Lightwave technology, epoxy structural reinforcement, custom milling of missing components, and factory-finish painting. We preserve original forest wood's integrity while upgrading energy efficiency through insulating glass conversion. Each restored window meets Secretary of the Interior standards and carries a 100-year durability guarantee.
Steel Window Restoration
Specializing in industrial-era steel window restoration, our process features blast cabinet rust removal, metal epoxy repair, and high-performance coating application. We maintain original profiles while incorporating modern weatherstripping systems. All work follows historic preservation guidelines and includes IGU conversion options with shadow line preservation for visual authenticity.
Green Paint Removal
Our proprietary Lightwave Stripping system uses calibrated light frequencies for chemical-free paint removal that preserves wood substrates. For steel components, closed-loop blast media recycling minimizes waste. This EPA-compliant process captures 99% of particulates through HEPA filtration systems, making it the industry's most environmentally responsible stripping solution.
Architectural Element Restoration
We restore ornate wood and steel architectural features including crown molding, columns, and decorative facades. Using traditional joinery techniques combined with modern epoxy consolidation, our craftsmen maintain historical accuracy while ensuring structural integrity. All work incorporates sustainable material reuse practices and matches original finishes using our on-site color lab.
Furniture Restoration
Specializing in institutional and antique furniture restoration, we employ the same meticulous techniques used for architectural elements. Our process includes structural reinforcement, finish restoration, and material recycling while maintaining original character. Capable of handling institutional-scale projects like hotel furniture refurbishment, we combine historic preservation standards with modern durability requirements.
People
Gail Wallace
President
Founder of America's first dedicated restoration facility, Gail Wallace pioneered green restoration practices since 1982. Recognized with multiple preservation awards, she developed the patented Lightwave Stripping technology and established industry standards for historic window restoration while advocating for sustainable preservation methods.
Questions
What makes your window restoration process historic preservation compliant?
We strictly follow Secretary of the Interior's Standards, using reversible methods and preserving original materials. Our craftsmen maintain exact profiles while incorporating modern efficiency upgrades.
How does your chemical-free paint removal work?
Our patented Lightwave Stripping technology uses calibrated light frequencies to remove coatings without damaging substrates, eliminating chemical waste while preserving wood integrity.
Can you restore windows not listed on historic registers?
Yes, we restore all pre-1930 windows regardless of designation status, applying the same rigorous standards to preserve original forest wood and craftsmanship.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We employ 14+ green practices including material recycling, energy-efficient equipment, and our proprietary non-chemical stripping system that reduces hazardous waste by 90%.
Do you handle large-scale commercial projects?
Our 30,000 sq. ft. facility routinely handles multi-thousand window projects for commercial, institutional, and government buildings, including over 50 National Register properties.
How do you match original wood finishes?
Our on-site color lab performs custom stain and paint matching using spectrophotometric analysis to ensure perfect color replication while maintaining historic accuracy.
