Hayes Window Restoration

05/06/2026

Steve Jordan, author of The Window Sash Bible, Window Preservation Alliance member, and all around talented preservationist, had some well-deserved time in the spotlight on a local news show in Rochester, NY. This is a longer take, but worth the time if you're interested in hearing from Steve and more generally about window down restoration.

On this week's Walk With Me, News 8's Theresa Marsenburg is joined by window preservationist Steve Jordan.

04/21/2026

Big delivery today! 🙌 Accoya lumber for our custom wood storm windows just arrived.

We use Accoya because of its incredible durability and rot resistance. Our storm windows are built to last, just like the homes we work on.

Stay tuned as we turn this stack of lumber into custom storm windows. 🪚🔨 🪟

04/10/2026

What a week! We've officially wrapped up a fantastic first onboarding week for our newest team members: Maggie, Mandy, and Zach. From deep diving into our core processes to getting hands on with glass repair, sash cord repair, and sash sanding, these three have hit the ground running. We couldn't be more impressed with the energy and talent they're bringing to the crew. I want to add a huge shout out to Jonah, Evan, Janet, and David for taking the time to mentor, train, and share their expertise. Our onboarding is only as strong as the people leading it, and you crushed it this week. We're excited to have these fine people on board as we gear up for another busy season!

03/29/2026

Wonderful article here from friend and fellow Restorer Justin Fink. It's great seeing the traditional building trades get some love!

03/28/2026

We're not in the shop too often on weekends but today was an exception. We have some big plans for this spring and we're deep into the preparations. Jonah came in to overhaul his van so we can be a bit more versatile in the types of projects we deliver with this vehicle. I finished up the prep for our new (to us) bank of training windows for onboarding our new people. It will be great to get people up to speed in the shop with a training program to kick start the subsequent on-the-job training. It's gonna be a fun spring!

02/26/2026

We had a fun troubleshooting session yesterday and came up with this solution. We went to tune windows for a client in SW Minneapolis and discovered sash weights that were WAY larger than they needed to be. Like twice as large. Most sashes weighed about 18 pounds but had originally been "counterbalanced" with TWO 17 pound weights. Once we got the sashes free from paint and unlocked, the ashes zoomed up to the top of the jamb due to the excess weight. We quoted an option for new, properly sized sash weights, but this solution was cost prohibitive. Pictured here with David, we ended up trimming the original iron weights down to the necessary weight of half the sash (two needed per sash) to come up with an economical solution that kept the original weights with the house. You never know what you'll find when you open an old window!

02/12/2026

We've enjoyed the break from the deep freeze to get some storm window projects moving. We love how these custom arch tops turned out. What do you think?

If you're thinking about upgrading your storm windows to a new traditional or combination wood storm window, you should contact us! Spring is just around the corner and things are about to get real busy. 🔥

02/05/2026

I had the privilege of presenting at the Rethos Old Home Certified continuing education workshop series for real estate agents this week. I presented the case for keeping original windows rather than replacing them, focusing on what makes original wood windows special and worth investing in.

We're working through some really tough times--in this context I appreciated the opportunity to connect with some talented professionals at this event. Despite the tragedy that is unfolding in the Twin Cities, across Minnesota, and other cities across the U.S with the presence and inhumane actions of ICE in our communities, make sure you keep taking care of yourselves as you take care of your neighbors. At Hayes Window Restoration we're doing what we can to keep our normal operations intact and maintaining our workplace as a place our team and clients can count on for stability and human kindness while we stay flexible and take care of our community.

As we try to go about our normal activities during anything-but-normal times, let's keep our noses to the grindstone, keep doing the good work we're called to do, and keep taking care of each other. ❤️

12/18/2025

I'm excited to present The Case for Keeping Original Wood Windows at the Rethos Old Home Certified class in February. Are you a real estate agent looking for continuing education credits and an opportunity to depend your knowledge of the older housing stock of our region? Then check out the education website to learn more and register. I hope to see you there!

12/15/2025

Glad to be part of Rethos: Places Reimagined Old Home Certified program. Realtors, check out this great resource if it's not already on your radar.

While we've put a pause on our DIY classes, we’re bringing back Joe Hayes of Hayes Window Restoration to teach a lecture-based class, “The Case for Keeping Original Wood Windows,” during Day 1 of Old Home Certified. This class introduces realtors to the benefits and best practices of preserving original wood windows in residential buildings built before 1950.

Register for OHC today at https://www.rethos.org/old-home-certified! OHC is held in-person at The Landmark Center on Tuesday, February 3rd and Wednesday, February 4th.

12/11/2025

As an extension of Give to the Max Day, the Hayes Window Restoration team collected food donations for !, an independent food bank and soup kitchen in our beloved neighborhood. Chef Judah helped us get everything brought in this morning and we look forward to helping this great organization with continued support and volunteering. Find out more, including ways you can get involved and donate, at soupforyou.info.