Re-Lite Restoration LLC

01/27/2026

Your wood windows aren’t the problem.

Historic windows rarely fail because of age.
Moisture, deferred maintenance, and improper repairs are usually the cause of deterioration.

A thorough assessment identifies why your windows aren’t performing as intended, allowing us to recommend informed treatment options. The result is long-term solutions that support a more comfortable space for you.

(Photo credit: Re-Lite Restoration)

01/12/2026

Quiet doesn't mean idle.

We’ve been quiet on here, but the shop’s been bustling.

Behind the scenes, 2025 was filled with restoring and repairing windows and doors, helping homeowners continue to enjoy the character and craftsmanship of their older homes.

These photos are a small glimpse of the work happening behind the scenes.

Cheers to 2025, and an exciting 2026 ahead.

(Photo credit: Re-Lite Restoration)

04/20/2022

It finally feels like spring! Today is a great day to open your windows and enjoy that fresh spring air.

We freed these beauties just in time. The ropes were deteriorated and broke. We re-roped the bottom sash and got them working properly. We bet the breeze coming off Lake Huron feels amazing. You can feel it for yourself this summer if you want. Stay tuned to find out how.

If your windows are painted shut or need to be re-roped so you can enjoy the fresh air this season we can help. Reach out at [email protected] or send us a message.

03/23/2022

It’s amazing what you will find in your historic home. We love cleaning up old hardware to see what’s hiding underneath. Thanks to The Craftsman Blog and Our Historic Home for sharing this transformation.

When you trust us to restore your historic wood windows we clean your hardware for you. The cleaned hardware accents your restored windows beautifully.

You can also DIY at home. However you decide, we recommend restoring your hardware and not replacing it.

This is why you should think about restoring rather than replacing!
posted this pic a while back and it is the perfect example of what beauty is lurking beneath all that caked on paint! Don’t be afraid to do some digging in your old house! You never know what you’ll find.

03/16/2022

Copper against Acorn Black 😍 The before picture is after the chipping white paint was scraped off. Can you believe that dirty grayish weatherstripping is the same as in the after picture? It’s often a surprise what you find under the paint or grime.

03/04/2022

The Papermill Schoolhouse window restoration project was completed in December. Here is one of our favorite transformations.

We believe transformations like this prove your original wood windows are never “beyond repair”.

If you have questions about the condition, or restoration of your wood windows reach out at [email protected]. We are happy to help.

07/26/2021

Our hard work was rewarded with this beautiful view as we finished installing one of the Papermill Schoolhouse windows.

06/14/2021

These beauties are from an American Craftsman home. Thankfully the new owners understand the importance of restoring them. One of the owners told me the home was almost bought by someone else, but that person couldn’t afford to replace all the original windows 😳Grateful this home, and these windows belong to owners that appreciate their craftsmanship and beauty.

05/27/2021

Things are coming along great at the Papermill School. We love these tin panels.

05/10/2021

Thank you to the Girls Scouts for allowing us to share our love of windows. We facilitated 2 Intro to Window Restoration workshops last week. To practice their glazing skills we made ‘window’ desk signs. The girls got to glaze their ‘window’ and then decorate it with their favorite quote.

The girls love learning new skills. They are all very talented & creative. We know from experience that learning to glaze takes time, but you get better with each window. They did great for their first time out.
👇🏻Check out their work 👇🏻

PS. Sorry some of the pictures are blurry. I had glaze on my camera lens 🤦‍♀️

05/08/2021

We are excited to announce we will be restoring the windows and storms from the Papermill Schoolhouse in Monroe, MI. The school was built in 1863. Students attended class there until the 1960s.

The restoration of the windows is one part of the larger restoration project. Building Arts & Conservation is restoring the interior and exterior of the schoolhouse. While Mary worked at BAC she had the opportunity to assist with masonry repairs. We are grateful to be a part of this project.

The Papermill School will be a welcome center and interpretive space for the Monroe Historical Society. It is currently located at Territorial Park in Monroe next to the River Raisin. It’s a beautiful place to visit.

We hope you will follow along as the Papermill School gets some TLC and embarks on its next chapter.

05/03/2021

Happy Historic Preservation Month!!! 🏚🏠 We have an exciting, and busy, May planned.

Saturday we picked up windows for a new project. 🪟.
This week we are introducing window restoration and historic preservation to 3 groups of Girl Scouts. 💪🏻💚
Plus, more exciting projects and goals to reach 🎉

How are you celebrating❓

Photos of the Monroe Papermill School built 1863 (more details to come)