DIY Network

Folk-Victorian Foyer Renovation: Transom and Door Replacement From "Restoration Realities" episode DRTR-111

Erik and Allison Lund (and friend) of Nashville, Tennessee.

In this episode of DIY's Restoration Realities, we help a Nashville couple restore the foyer of their turn-of-the-century Victorian.

In this third segment, the homeowners and our restoration specialists purchase and install entryway transoms and a vintage door for the foyer.

Steps and information on this portion of the restoration are outlined below.

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the procedures shown in this episode of Restoration Realities. There may be variations in procedures for your particular restoration project based on the types of materials you select and the nature or extent of your particular project. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with materials or products that you select.

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Transom Windows

In looking at the doors leading off the foyer, the Lunds noticed that it appeared that there once had been transoms over the doors which were now covered over with drywall (figure A). They hoped that removing the drywall would reveal the original transoms.

• To remove the transom panel, our restoration specialist used a utility knife to score the caulk used to secure the panel(figure B). He pried off the bottom piece of frame to free up the panel.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Unfortunately, when the drywall was removed, it was revealed that they had been taken down, leaving only empty space behind the drywall (figure C). In one case, however, the uncovering did reveal a molded detail piece over one of the doors (figure D).

• Allison would later go in search of vintage transom windows along with a new door. Measurements of the openings were taken for use in locating replacement transoms.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• It may be necessary to remove paint from salvaged transom windows so that they can be newly repainted before installation. Paint removal from vintage pieces like this can be done using chemical strippers a (methylene chloride or citrus stripper) or by mechanical means such as by a heat-gun or infrared paint-remover.

• Restoration Realities "Cool-Tool" Tip: In our case, our restoration expert used a specialized tool known at the Speedheater 1000® Infrared Paint Remover from Eco-Strip® to achieve removal of paint on one side of our salvaged transom windows (figure E). This system uses infrared energy to soften the paint so that it can be easily and safely scraped away from the wood, typically with just the gentle action of a pull-scraper (figure F). This system offers a number of benefits, particularly in an application like this with old paint and aged wood. For example, because it doesn't use temperatures as high as those of a standard heat-gun, there is less chance for release of toxic fumes -- particularly important if it is old paint that may contain lead. Likewise, less "dry scraping" means less chance of harmful, lead-containing paint dust, and also less chance of gouging or damaging the wood. Essentially, this system generally makes removal of paint simpler, faster and safer than would be the case with some traditional methods. Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions and safety warnings when using a tool such as this one. (More information about this special tool is included under "Resources" below.)

• If you choose to use chemical strippers, this will require lacquer thinner to remove excess stripper and residue (figure G). A paint scraper or flat putty knife, steel wool and sand paper are used to remove the softened paint and achieve the desired finish.

  Tip: Try dental tools to remove paint from small or detailed area.

• Remove transom windows by scoring paint between sash and jambs. Free up sash pins by removing paint and remove sash.

• If sash is in reusable condition then remove loose paint or strip paint if necessary or stained finish is desired.

• If sash is in poor condition, then try to pick up salvaged transom at an architectural salvage business in your area (or on the internet). Be sure to check length, width (thickness) and height and hinge pin location.
  

  	Figure H
  	Figure I
  	Figure J

The contemporary and rather drab front door and hardware was removed and replaced with a vintage door purchased from a local salvage dealer, Preservation Station. Allison consulted with salvage specialist Julia Petrova to select a door that would be suitable for the period and look of their home.

• Door replacement from salvage requires checking the dimensions of the door (length x width (thickness) x height and direction of swing) for an appropriate match for your door opening.

• For a period restoration, choose a door in the same time period or style as your home.

• Choose appropriate hardware including hinges, lockset and knobs, strike plate and kick plate(s) if desired. In our case, we had to hand-chisel the mortise to accommodate the new lock hardware (figure H). A template was created for accurate drilling of the new keyholes (figure I). Once the properly sized openings had been created, the door hardware was installed (figure J).
  

  	Preservation Station, a salvage specialty store in Nashville.
  	Julia Petrova, renovation and salvage-materials specialist.

• Direction of swing is determined by standing in the doorway and placing your back against the hinge jamb of the door. You should be staring at the jamb with the lockset strike plate in front of you. If the door would swing out to your right, it's a right hand swing (or left if it swings left). In most cases a left swing door can be modified to become a right swing and vise versa.

• Plane or cut door to size for finished opening.

• Measure existing hinge locations on existing jambs and transfer to door.

• Use the existing lockset location on door and adjust strike plate on existing jamb last.

• Patch any areas where old hardware has been moved or damaged areas exist. Wood plugs (of the same wood type) can be used to patch door, door jambs or both, regardless of staining or painting finish, and epoxies and fillers can also be used. These steps are almost always necessary when retrofitting salvaged materials and for repairs.

• Clean all areas and prep for paint.

• Prime areas with oil based primer.

• Paint trim and door with latex or oil based gloss or semi-gloss paint.
  

  	Figure K
  	Figure L
  	Installing the newly repainted vintage transoms.

• It may be necessary to re-glaze transom window. If so, follow directions from glazing manufacturer.

• Our restoration specialist demonstrated the proper technique for application of glazing by placing a small bead of glazing compound along the corner of the frame and spreading it evenly using a putty knife held at an angle (figures K and L).

• If painting, use oil based primer before finish coats of desired paint.

• To install salvaged sashes find hinge pin location on sash and transfer to existing jambs to insure proper location and fit. Make adjustments to sash by planning or sanding and finish sash the same as described for the jambs and door below.

Speedheater® infrared paint-removal system
Hammer
Flat bar
Pry bar
Utility knife
Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
Floor scraper
Paint scrapers
Putty knife
Cordless drill and bits
Miter saw
Circular saw
Pneumatic finish-nail gun
Hand planer
Belt sander
Random-orbit sander
Router and bits
Wallboard jab saw
Rasp
Mud pan
Taping knife
8", 10", 12" mud knives
Corner tool
Clean drywall bucket
Mixing paddle (paint mixer for drill)
Paint brushes
Quart cut-in buckets
Paint roller frame, extension pole and pan
Paint mixing sticks
Dropcloths

Materials used in this episode:

Pneumatic finish nails (1.5", 2", and 2.5")
Paint stripper (meth chloride)
Steel wool (various coarseness)
Sandpaper (various grit)
Disc-sander sheets (various grit)
Belt sander belts
Solvents gloves
Cloth rags
5 minute drywall compound
20 minute drywall compound
Drywall tape (250' paper type)
Drywall
Picture molding or stock
Primer
Paint
Window glazing compound
2" Disposable brushes
Roller covers (2-3/4" and 2-1/2")
Contractor-grade garbage bags
2" painters tape "(blue tape")
Plastic sheeting

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

In the segment that follows, we re-cap the "before" and "after" of this restoration project.

RESOURCES :

Victorian: American Restoration Style
Model: 0879058870
Author: Joan M. Brierton
Publisher: Gibbs Smith Publishers
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Renovating and Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide to Maximum Value Remodeling
Author: Lawrence Dworin
Publisher: Craftsman Book Company
ISBN: 1572180293
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Selecting and Renovating an Old House: A Complete Guide
Author: United States Department of Agriculture
July 2000
Publisher: Dover Publications
ISBN: 0486409562
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Speedheater Infrared (IR) Paint Remover
from Eco-Strip, LLC
The Speedheater Infrared Paint Remover® is a specialized tool for stripping paint or varnish from painted surfaces -- such as exterior facades, windows, doors, wood detailing and other forms of carpentry -- in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. This advanced paint-removal system uses infrared heat to soften paint for faster, cleaner and safer paint removal. It is also helpful for aiding in removal of paint in tight or hard-to-access areas. When used properly, the Speedheater loosens the paint so that it requires little scraping and no sanding for removal. In addition, this system offers a number of specific user and safety benefits: It reduces the need for chemical strippers and other toxic materials. It helps to avoid situations that could produce dangerous lead-dust or lead-gas when removing lead-based paint from old surfaces. It operates at a lower, safer temperature than that of an ordinary heat gun. It saves time and requires less work than some other forms of stripping such as use of a power-sander or heat gun. For more details on this tool and related products, visit the company’s web site:
www.eco-strip.com