Many heritage homes in Edmonton were built at a time when materials and craftsmanship were regarded differently. These structures frequently have hand-made windows, doors, and mouldings that are intended to last and be visually appealing. However, with time and exposure to the weather, even the best craftsmanship needs maintenance.

Full replacement can often deprive a structure of its historical essence. Restoration, when done properly, preserves the spirit of the original structure. It also complies with local heritage conservation methods, which are frequently required by municipal standards for recognised heritage structures.

Perma Seal collaborates with homeowners, builders, and heritage architects to meticulously restore original features while balancing historical accuracy with modern performance, such as energy efficiency and security.

When we talk about period glass, we mean glass that was made using traditional methods, each with its own textures and flaws. Modern float glass is flat and smooth, but period glass often ripples, distorts, and reflects light in interesting ways. These strange things in the pictures aren’t flaws; they’re signs of authenticity.

Some common types of period glass are:

It is important for historical restoration to keep or copy this glass. To keep the original look of windows and doors, Perma Seal salvages, restores, or recreates period glass. If the original glass is missing or too broken, we find authentic reproduction glass that looks and feels like the old glass.

Not only does restoring period glass windows honour the building’s history, it also gives it a timeless charm that can’t be replicated with modern materials.

Wavy glass, often seen in pre-1940 homes, is particularly prized for its ethereal effect on light. It softens harsh sunlight, creates beautiful shadows, and brings subtle movement to a still room. The ripple of this glass tells a story—of hands that crafted it and the years it has endured.

Over time, wavy glass can become brittle, cracked, or loose in its frame. That doesn’t mean it must be replaced. At Perma Seal, we carefully remove, clean, and reinstall original glass panes, preserving their aesthetic value. If panes are missing or too damaged, we install restoration-grade wavy glass, keeping visual continuity intact.

Modern glazing techniques allow us to combine authentic glass with updated weather sealing, giving you the best of both worlds: original beauty and modern efficiency.

Historic entryways often feature antique wood, copper-clad, or steel doors that showcase period-specific designs—be it Edwardian, Victorian, or Craftsman styles. These doors typically include ornate carvings, stained-glass inserts, brass fixtures, or leaded panes.

Rather than replacing these with mass-produced alternatives, Perma Seal offers door restoration services tailored to the unique materials and craftsmanship of your home. This may include:

• Wood refinishing and moisture protection 
• Restoring or replacing leaded glass inserts
• Installing energy-efficient weatherstripping
• Custom hardware replacement with historically accurate pieces

In some cases, doors may be too deteriorated to restore. That’s where replica doors come in. We create historically accurate reproductions using durable, modern materials while maintaining the original design, right down to the wood grain, panel layout, and finish.

It’s a common misperception that in order to comply with contemporary energy standards, original windows and doors must be replaced. This is just untrue with the correct restoration methods.

In order to give outdated components new life and increased thermal efficiency, Perma Seal combines traditional joinery with contemporary sealants, low-e coatings, and insulation techniques. For instance, insulation can be achieved without changing the external façade by installing storm panels inside.

When properly cared for, restored wood frames also last longer than many vinyl substitutes. When properly maintained, a restored window or door can have thermal performance comparable to that of new units, look much better, and produce less waste for landfills.

There is more to preserving Edmonton’s architectural legacy than just aesthetics. It’s about the importance of craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and community pride. Perma Seal can guarantee that your windows and doors remain historically accurate while still satisfying modern requirements, whether you’re renovating a 1920s Tudor in Glenora or a 1910s foursquare house in Highlands.

Both art and science are involved in historic restoration. It calls for in-depth familiarity with historical methods, a dedication to conventional beauty, and the means to improve functionality. Perma Seal Windows and Doors approaches every project with a craftsman’s eye, whether it be period glass, wavy glass, or restoring antique doors.