Formal and informal consultations

    
    Windy Hill conducts on-site inspections, detailed architectural investigations and historic research to determine the original appearance of both the interior and exterior of a structure.  The initial consultation is free, if a detailed plan is necessary for a grant, loan or contract; a fee will be charged depending on the complexity of the project.    
    We are familiar with both the Federal & NY State review processes that Grant applicants, National Register Listed and other historic/museum sites must undergo.  We can provide a written report outlining restoration plans for those sites requiring such data to be submitted in order to receive their funding.      
    We often conduct emergency stabilization to a structure until funding is available to begin repairs, then we can prioritize the phases of a project to break it down into financially feasible segments.  We are able to manage all phases of the project; from the foundation to the roof ensuring that all of the work meets both the client’s standards and ours.

Timber Framing

One of our specialties is the repair of antique timber frames.  The best plan for proposed restoration is a combination of the owner’s intended use of the structure, aesthetics and cost.  We conduct replacement of sills and other major structural elements.  We can also design timber frame alterations to an existing structure.

 
    New sill & stone foundation installed under barn
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Replicating and replacing framing elements of a large barn in Scotia NY

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  Re-erection of a circa 1740 frame from Fonda, NY. 
   Frame was poorly dismantled, documented & stored by others in the 1980's. 
We got the project 20 years laterand had to conduct extensive furniture-grade repairs and alterations
as the entire frame was to be visible from the interior.

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Historic Masonry

Windy Hill has undertaken a wide range of masonry projects including: stone walls, brick walls, fireplaces & bake ovens.  We are accustomed to matching the stone laying and mortar joints on a project.  The company is proficient at hand cut stonework to duplicate missing elements and utilizes St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime for their projects. 
    We are also one of the few companies that will install a poured concrete foundation with a stone or a brick cap under an existing structure.

    

                                                   Stone Hophouse Stone Arabia
                    
                                                             
                             We rebuilt a large section of wall damaged by vehicle impact.  
             Stones were replaced in original location and mortar was matched to the original.  
           In the photo the rebuilt area shows up as a slightly lighter colored area as we matched 
           the original mortar, not the surrounding mismatched & weathered area.
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                                                Windy Hill Warehouse Fort Plain NY 
                                                                 During the Flood of 2006


                  

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             Newly poured concrete wall with stone cap to replace flood damaged wall

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Historic Woodworking

Exact duplication of architectural details is of primary importance and special consideration is given to period methods of construction, historically accurate tool marks and surface finish.  Our craftsmen are experienced in both the use of traditional and modern tools & their applications.  We can repair or design and fabricate any type of interior and exterior historic wooden components including windows, siding, trim, flooring and cupboards.


              

                                   Replication of a 1826 cellar window done in White Oak 
           It has mortise & tenon construction.  White Oak is known for resistance to decay and strength.  
                                 We keep a custom cut supply of white oak on hand for projects.