Bullet holes in the windows - Industrial renovation

continuing to work on the front of the building in our industrial building renovation. Replacing broken and vandalized windows is a never ending battle. But slowly the tide is starting to change. Vandals have not only thrown rocks at every window in the building over the years but now we are finding bullet holes. Let's get them fixed.
If you would like to contact me, send me an email.
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[@vikingwarrior2018]

You’re doing great on the windows and that’s coming from a guy who has 40 years in the glazing industry. And you can use a propane torch or heat gun to soften that old putty up to make it a little easier for you to get it out 🤙🏻

[@brickandsole]

Thats a good compliment coming from a pro. Thanks. And thanks for the tip. I'll try it.

[@mr.mortadha3545]

keep it on comrade

[@brickandsole]

Will do!

[@johnyates5034]

I can't wait to drive by this weekend. I'm headed to town for graduation, and get to swing by and see just how great this project is. You are doing great!

[@brickandsole]

I am not there or Id say stop in. Hope it doesn't scare you too much. LOL>

[@feathers352]

One little work hack that might help, place your trailer close to the wall and put the ladder on the trailer. You can pull it along and get a little bit higher.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Smart idea. Or the truck bed.

[@brickandsole]

I thought about that for the second floor windows. The good thing is now that I have posted about it I can reveal I now have a bucket truck!!!

[@tete7958]

So many windows, so little time! You need to keep a count of how many windows you end up doing. Will be a great story to tell when you get old. Have a great week!

[@brickandsole]

Thats a good idea. I can make a little board sign with tally marks on it. Nice.

[@rwlodarczyk]

I never understood why people would vandalize a place like that. I get it, abandoned spaces could make cool hangouts, etc. But the vandalism, so unfortunate. Slowly but surely you’re going to make improvements and get it back in shape. I seriously can’t wait to see how the whole place comes together!

[@brickandsole]

Thanks for the kind words. It will be a few years for sure so hope you are ready of the long haul. I am also hoping as it improves on the outside (now I have a bucket truck) that will help to stem the constant vandalism as it will start to look cared for. at least I hope.

[@brianskywalker8076]

Really looking great! You could media blast the window frames and brick, frost the windows at the same time 😜

[@brickandsole]

I would like to knock some loos stuff off the frames but clear coat in the patina. The color of them is great.

[@bufords]

don't use an air hammer on the windows. The vibration will prolly break all the glass. Try a oscillating multi tool. More like a power scraper. Also a propane torch might help soften up the old glaze. A grinder with a wire wheel will also help with cleaning the frame. Don't use primer on frames, primer is porous and has zero protection. Its not necessary, go direct to enamel on rust paint like rust-oleum. I'd just buy a quart of your fav color and just brush it on. Best time to wire wheel frames is just before you replace glass panes. Also when ordering your replacement glass, consider starting with frosted glass.

[@sparks869]

All the right info. I keep telling him to use an oscillating multitool. I think in one recent comment, Chris said he owned one already. Kind of a crime not to use it since it would save so many hours. Even in some of the demo, it would be useful for some precision cutting where he doesn't want to damage something.

[@brickandsole]

my plan is to try heat gun first, then the oscillating tool. or maybe both depending on how effective the heat gun is.

[@brickandsole]

all great tips. Thanks you Bufords.

[@rwlodarczyk]

Perhaps something you should do is put up new “Private Property” signs around the property. Also, mounting some cameras around, even if they’re not operational, could help deter those that are looking for easy targets. Maybe even do an interview with the local news or newspaper so the community knows that it’s under your ownership and that you’re working on restoring it? Perhaps that would rally the community to offer some help too?

[@brickandsole]

we just recently did exactly that. You can check it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaCwmK2batdohtk

[@kevinganje3356]

At about the 16:00 mark you started in on slo-mo, and I thought, "Oh, No! What's gonna break?!?" 😄

[@brickandsole]

I accidentally had my camera setting wrong and thought why not use it. I wondered if it gave off that vibe. Keeps you guessing.

[@dougdobbs]

I second the suggestion of the heat gun to soften the putty up. Looks good though! :)

[@brickandsole]

Hi Doug. I am going to try that. I wonder if it can turn such old glazing softer. It is dry as a bone and hard as a rock. Will be interesting to test.

[@vancegodin4149]

@@brickandsole blow torch heat gun giant solidering iron... softens glazing in.... poland, united states um everywhere. it is linseed oil based since like WW I... no test required.

[@FreemonSandlewould]

If you get a compressor with sand blasting equipment going you can frost window panes yourself for real. You can also put in a design by taping over an area. The tape is bouncy so the sand granules rebound without effect in the area taped over. Seems like you might like the artsy fartsyness of this. >80)

[@82ndairbornevet]

Nice job Chris! Have you thought about maybe frosting the glass before you install it? You can lay out all the panes, frost them and install. This will definitely help you out when you’re doing windows up high. Just a thought…keep up the momentum and never give up!

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I think I will do that once I start to scale up the process and do a lot at once. I also want to try laminate frosting someone said it might go a lot further and be cheaper. I'll figure it out. then I am off to the races. Happy holidays Airborne.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Man, if it takes that much “frosting” spray for each window that is going to be expensive for just those rattle cans. I would definitely do a water test with a hose and see how it reacts to certain gentle and hard rain showers. Don’t want to invest in that if it is just going to wash away after 4 or 5 rains. How much is it to order frosted glass from the glass company? If you want to DIY it could go to a craft store or maybe walmart and get some water based sealer and dollar store wax paper that stuff will stay on for decades. Congrats on the pipe! That popped out a lot easier than I expected.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

There’s also a frosting film that comes in sheets that might be a good option! It would also keep the glass intact if the bratty kids throw a rock at the window pane. Sure is too bad that Chris has to go through all this because kids have no respect for other people’s property!!

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

@@JennifermcintyreThat’s even a better option, especially as it’s probably cheaper and less labor intensive than my options and it can be done in advance. I would just apply the film to the outside, the glossy reflective mirror side would help bounce light for the inside.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

@@HabitualButtonPusher that’s what I’m thinking!! Possibly get it in bulk and definitely applied prior to installation. I’ve used it before and it’s very easy to use… 😉

[@brickandsole]

yeah, I definitely need to look into that. the good thing is that it is only a concern at that one area of the building. all the rest will be regular clear or patchwork or whatever.

[@brickandsole]

Thats definitely and added benefit.

[@robertkinstle9413]

I did a bunch of industrial windows and an air chisel/muffler tool was the ticket to remove the old caulk. EAR PROTECTION! Those panes were held in with a little wire clip on the sides. Look for a small hole on the vertical bars. Clips hold the pane and simplify the process…

[@brickandsole]

yeah, Bob actually gave me one of those. I need to do a couple tests, the air hammer, heat gun, oscillating tool and just see which one works best. Love all the tips. Thanks.

[@inzieoscar]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 "I'm going to go yank on it and see what happens".... Chris, you are a hoot!

[@brickandsole]

Thas how I roll. (not something to be proud of. haha)

[@inzieoscar]

No guts.... no glory!@@brickandsole

[@bearhardcorepicker]

Each effort, small or large, makes a difference.

[@brickandsole]

its the accumulation. Work 20 years to become an overnight success.

[@bradleybrobst2424]

So just a little tip coming from experience.. I'd suggest putting tape on the whole window you're going to take out..this way when you break it, there's little to no mess to clean up.. I've had to replace quite a few windows and I've found that to be the best method for me and also to help not make such a mess with the glass. Hope this helps .. keep up the good work

[@brickandsole]

Nice tip. There are lots to break out for sure. and inside it's not a problem to seep up, but outside when it falls down into the grass it's a pain.

[@bradleybrobst2424]

@@brickandsole i hope it helps man! Keep on at it!

[@suzylarry1]

watch your fingers when brushing the loose stuff off the sills, there may be small glass fragments that will cut you , then ...pain ! The window glaze compound , if you search around , you can buy it in gallon and 5 gallon containers. There is also a drill type of caulking gun you load that stuff in and apply. Lots to do , moving that mountain inch by inch.

[@brickandsole]

thanks for the bulk buy tip. a company just contacted me to send me one of those drills and a heat gun. Isn't that amazing. Could be the perfect one two punch right in line with your tip.

[@wlcmetomcyds]

Do you plan on painting the window frames? That would make the place look less abandoned.

[@brickandsole]

oh no. I love the patina on them. I will clear coat them. But I will plant flowers and bushes and when all the windows are complete again that should send the message.

[@DOLARHYDE2006]

A blow torch might help with the glazing to soften up, or a heat gun.

[@brickandsole]

I just had a proposed offer for a sponsored video with a heat gun and motorized window caulker. Maybe I'll give it a shot.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

Wow!! Your “already done” room looks amazing!! It will really help you keep motivated!! I wonder if the local school would have you as a special guest at the school for a presentation for their history classes on pride for local history! Maybe put together some short video clips of what you’ve done so far.. explaining how dangerous it is for kids who break into the factory & showing how much work you have put into making it nice and showcasing the historical photographs of the employees who worked there. (I bet many have great grandparents who worked there!) I hope that would help the kids understand that the factory is not abandoned and possibly find an appreciation for the building VS wanting to destroy it.

[@brickandsole]

seems like a good idea. The local library is interested in taking people for a tour as well. They do field trips with community members. Not likely any kids though.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

@@brickandsole I think that would be amazing!! I bet a lot of people have some really neat stories to tell about the factory!!

[@kevinwassellsr.5646]

You can get that glazing compound in a caulk tube. Goes down a lot faster

[@brickandsole]

I am going to look into that. I had a company offer to send me an electric tool that that uses those tubes and gives a quick clean bead. Could be a good solution with so many to do.

[@peterholmesgavleman]

It worried me a bit when I saw you disconnecting the flu outside the windows. You were swinging your hammer, quite vigourously, but hanging onto the ladder, which was wobbling as you swung the hammer. In my opinion, it would’ve been safer to have held onto the Support rail in front of the window frame, because that rail is not going to move, unlike The ladder, which wobbles with your weight and activity.

[@brickandsole]

I try not to joke about it too much but I constantly do things I shouldn't. So far I have been lucky. I need to get more disciplined about that kind of stuff.

[@inzieoscar]

Those shots look like they came from the inside... the glass is pushed out. Query: on the windows... on the outside... there are "tie downs" (not sure of the proper term). They are used for tying things off... like rope on a flagpole. What were these used for originally?

[@tbirdracefan]

I saw in some of the recent pictures of the building from long ago that the second and third row of windows in each set would pivot to provide ventilation. Perhaps the cleats were hold the windows in an open position?

[@brickandsole]

I think at one point there was an awning out front, that had some kind of canvas cover. Because there is mounting hardware remnants. Or possibly to secure the flip out window though that doesn't exist on other windows.

[@cindylgrassis8626]

As long as the building is unoccupied your going ta have problems, As my husband the retired detective said

[@urbanurchin5930]

@cindylgrassis8626.......YOU'RE going to have problems.......ever learn how to spell ??

[@brickandsole]

Over time, I feel like it will start looking less and less unoccupied. at least that is the plan.

[@cindylgrassis8626]

My husband the Detective said he would be glad to give U advice

[@stache1954]

It's that tubby kid!

[@brickandsole]

hahaha.

[@mikerico5568]

Hi Chris, please prime the frame befo... oh, you've been told already. Okay good 👍

[@brickandsole]

haha. Yeah, people are giving me tips and keeping me on my toes. plus I want to clear coat the frames to keep the patina too.

[@pskully57]

You could really just frost both sides of the windows, But i should have waited till the end of the video, because you said it. lol! What will you do with the frames themselves? strip and repaint them. it would look nice if you did, but a ton of work.

[@brickandsole]

oooooh no. I want to clear coat the patina. I like it when she wears her age with honor.

[@GuitarJams-zs7yf]

What about eventually bricking in some of the windows? Then you wont have to worry about broken windows. Just maybe leave a few windows for light.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, it's a balance, practicality vs trying to restore the old girl to her original form. Someone bricked in about 8 windows on the east and north Side of the building with cinder blocks already.

[@gothiccomputerbuilds....5308]

@ 3:15 yes those are bb holes. Bet you'll find them if you look.

[@brickandsole]

Could swing a magnet around in there. I bet I would.

[@MrJeep75]

You can use plexiglass to

[@MarksGarageChannel]

Step ladders are not made to be leaned against a building. Please be careful.

[@brickandsole]

thanks for the tip and concern. Checked out your channel and subscribed.

[@tbirdracefan]

BB gun for sure. If you keep having problems it might be a good idea to fix a camera at the area they are shooting from.

[@brickandsole]

I still have some expansion slots for more cameras.

[@garyjones2582]

Those look like bb holes.. At some point you are probably going to have to prosecute to get the word out that there will be consequences or they will continue break windows if they think they can get away with it.. If you are chiseling the old caulk and broken glass, you might want to get u a cheap shield that covers your entire face.. You might want to frost both sides of the glass and let it dry before you install it and trim off excess putty squeeze out.. it will look more professional... Chris, one thing that I wanted to mention before but kept forgetting was if you could place a small map of the bldg in one corner of the video with a blinking light or an arrow to show what part of the bldg that you are working in.. The bldg is so large that I always wondered what part of the bldg you were in.. Sorry for rambling on.. i want to purchase a missile silo and I'm going to have many of these same problems 10 fold... Keep up the great work, you're doing a fine job...

[@brickandsole]

Hi Gary, have you seen the video where I show the map and do the walk through? Even after that it might be a bit confusing but that would help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGSWXp58pcSVq68

[@ralphtorrez2857]

Have you considered asking the local news if they’ll do a human interest story on the work you’re doing? They could encourage parents to talk to their children about the project and why it’s important to stay away from

[@brickandsole]

I feel like that will happen at some point. The library already reached out and the historical society.

[@RogerEbert-vy5pv]

Maybe the glass place will do a trade for the glass you already have.

[@brickandsole]

called them already, no luck. They say that they can't cut it either. it's tempered.

[@BIGD-lg1qd]

Do you ever run across old Soviet computers in Poland?

[@brickandsole]

That is an interesting question. I never paid attention to that, but I bet that would be a cool novelty item. I will have to remember that next time I go to the flea market.

[@bbiskner]

Why don’t you get the steel that goes over windows

[@brickandsole]

Not sure I follow, do you mean paint/prime? I want to keep the look and patina. Weird I know but I like it. I am going to clear coat it to seal it and stop it from rusting.

[@MrJeep75]

Those are pellets or BBs

[@artstudio9673]

One rookie mistake I can see ( because I do it myself as a home gamer and not a pro). You want to have a tool belt with essential tools before you go up and down that ladder! It is uncomfortable to wear but you will always see the pros with the stuff they need before going up the ladder or working. When removing old glazing, I think a propane torch to soften the old hard glazing may make faster work of the Job? BTW keep fire extinguishers handy on this job.....I also like a 5 gal pail of water and even a water spray bottle.... the dry chemical extinguishers should me through out the building but I also like a stainless rechargeable water extinguisher near by any flame, welding or spark work I am doing. At some point with a project like this something is going to catch on fire and you want to be prepared. BTW no better Adrenalin rush stopping the fire that could have spread and taking the whole project out......be careful my friend.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I am trying to get used to wearing stuff. something I need to work on.

[@juliecoffey3625]

I live less than a Blick away from there

[@brickandsole]

Cool! Wave hi when you drive by!

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Why don't you bring in that thick pile of glass. See if your local hardware can glaze them for you. Looks like bee bee or pellets hole. You need scaffolding or your new bucket truck. Ooh so close to camera lol.

[@sparks869]

The pile of glass in previous videos was tempered glass meant for glass shelving so can't be cut with conventional tools.

[@brickandsole]

Sadly true. Called the glass company they didn't even want it.

[@brickandsole]

But I can use a bit of it for some projects.

[@MrJeep75]

Plumbers tape

[@jodirauth8847]

Dude heat that old putty

[@brickandsole]

I am going to try that. Have had a couple comments on that.

[@VintageSmokeAlarmsMediaRandom]

Hmmmm 🤔

[@AndrewHall-dp9il]

Primo. I love your videos sry about the vagrants and teenagers and raccoons. Just a pic shot Makes me perturbed. I’d go down there and give you free labour. I’m got my own shit storm I wish I can upload photo

[@brickandsole]

haha, thanks Andrew!

[@coreyjohnson567]

I was thinking about your problem with the kids vandalizing the building. What if you talked to their parents and the kids and offered them a job helping you? Invite them in to see what you are doing. They might then see the value in what you are trying to do and also discourage their friends from also vandalizing the building.

[@maryp2747]

But they have "Anxiety" and they can't work. LOL

[@urbanurchin5930]

@coreyjohnson567.....NO NO NO .....how many times does it have to be repeated ?? The LIABILITY is too great to have non-family or others in the building before it is up to code. Fools keep suggesting that Chris should allow others into the building to "help". One tiny incident could bring this project to a halt and bankrupt the owner for a lifetime ! Use some common sense before suggesting an idiotic idea.

[@brickandsole]

This has been suggested frequently but sadly I don't want the liability of that. If they step on a nail or something then I am in deep trouble. I was thinking about talking to the city and seeing if they have a substitute place for the kids to go work/volunteer.

[@brickandsole]

haha.

[@edwardmoriarty1507]

You and your wife drama must be thick

[@brickandsole]

This whole thing keeps me out of her hair. So it works. LOL>