Look for a restoration company to start. Most windows of that age are all wood, with sash weights for counterbalancing. Restoring means removing the windows, replacing/repairing the sash weight ropes, replacing/repairing damaged wood parts, and replacing the windows.

Thanks, Handymac and Current Resident. The big problem is finding such a firm. I know that friends in Orlando, a much larger city, were told by every window guy who came to give an estimate that there was nothing to do about their old 1920s palladian windows (which weren't in terrible shape) except to junk them and buy impact instead, which is why I'm asking. There just aren't the old house resources down here that there are other places, for all that there are a lot of old houses.

Most folks who buy an old house down here seem to want to make it into a NYC loft inside, so they're happy to let the windows go, too.

Google!

http://www.glassstationjax.com/GlassManProductsServices.html

Other Fla locations come up if you search on "historic window repair Florida"

A specialist might not be cheap, but as I suggested if money is an issue, the homeowner can have a few done to start and learn to DIY.... or find a handyman type who likes old houses and is enthusiastic about learning a new skill to add to his/her repertoire. Generally, you can tell by talking with them on the phone what their orientation is, if they just do modern construction methods or are open to the needs of quirky old houses.

No, the window salesman wont know ANYTHING about repairing old windows. Or if he does, hes not gonna tell you!

Thanks, Current Resident. I have passed your post along to my friends.

In the Orlando instance, they always asked if the company did window restoration before they had them out, but it always turned out they were lying.

Ah, my BIL is a window salesman in FL; he and I definitely don't talk shop! :D I can definitely see how in that area, I don't get the sense that restoration is really that important.

It took a window restoration quote of $800 per window to motivate DH and I to just start trying. They are pretty simple fixtures when you think about it, and the biggest problem I have run into is breaking the glass by being too agressive with my heat gun. It is a daunting project, messy and time-consuming, but definitely rewarding and I feel like it's more of a craft project than an actual construction one.

I haven't gotten this book yet, but I've heard good things about it.
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If you do a search for Florida, there are 5 preservation firms listed. I have followed Jade at Heartwood Restoration on various old home websites. She would not be part of a non-reputable alliance.

http://www.windowpreservationalliance.org/directory

Thanks for the book link, kats737, and thanks for the referral Jmc101. I will pass both along.

Another classic DIY resource -- our lifeline -- and it's short and truly well-illustrated:

Terry Meany's Working Windows

Thanks, House Vixen!

I bought the book suggested by kats (saving America's Windows), and it is a wealth of information on wood windows and how to repair them. The best money I ever spent. You can also google historichomeworks.com and you'll find all sorts of info on how to repair windows, etc, (also by John Leeke and others). It is a great starting point to determine if it is something you want to tackle on your own.

Thank you, Gargamel. I had read that site extensively a while back but couldn't find it again. I appreciate the link.

You/your friends have already overcome hurdle #1 - keeping the old ones vs going new. Bravo!

Like the others said, you want "historic" "preservation" "conservation" for folks who can disassemble - and more importantly, REassemble - the internal mechanisms.

Best place to ask for advice and referrals is at other old historic buildings that have kept their original windows. One that's used for commercial/office space is more likely to have a recommendation for a professional-for-hire, while public buildings like libraries or historic conservation buildings will have maintenence staff with experience.

The $800/ea fully restored is about on par for up here in New England too - if quoted much less, be leery. Anyone with experience will likely have done at least one building that's open to the public, and will gladly tell you so, and often can put you in touch with previous customers too. GO LOOK at those windows, inside and out. Look at the glaze (caulk) around each pane of glass - should be neat, smooth and continuous, no cracks gaps, bulges. Open and close them a few times. Do they stay open, or slam shut with the slightest touch? Do the locks line up? Push on the corners, see if they rattle. Keep an eye out for any 'cheating' with modern materials, especially in gaps (stick-on foam is a common find)

Now, an option I didn't notice mentioned is to have the windows removed by the historic window professionals, the mechanisms repaired as necessary, and then DIY or hire out the refinishing. The historic window guys may pout but totally understand, and would much rather you not use someone else than to replace with modern ones!

To find someone who can do the individual panes of glass, "glazing" is the keyword to use. A glass shop that does "plate glass" should have someone or know of someone who can.

Bare minimum, whether or not the windows are taken out, be sure both sides and all the edges are well covered with a high quality exterior paint. Loose panes of glass should be stabilised with a flexible waterproof caulk (no silicone, please) so they don't crack. Cracked panes, as long as they're not loose, won't go anywhere, so they're ok to leave as-is. If down the road the decision is made to refinish, all the caulk and paint come off anyway, and the window itself is in much better shape than it would have been if left unpainted

I just attended a seminar hosted by these great folks. Give them a call, please.

Thanks so very much, Joseph. I think the Jax folks already found someone local, but I'll definitely pass this along to my friends in Orlando and keep it for future reference.