"Glenn and Lauren did a terrific job restoring four of the windows in our 1906 home. Years of weathering, broken ropes and jammed weights had made them barely functional. They now work perfectly and still look beautiful."

 

Virginia L.

Owner of 1906 Victorian


"Glenn and Lauren restored 12 casement windows to excellent working order on our 1918 arts and crafts home, replacing or repairing the hinges, reinforcing the sash joints, and remounting or planing as necessary to assure a tight, smooth seal. More impressively, they managed to restore our front door (which was in frightful disrepair) to its original splendor by meticulously re-gluing the veneer. They were both on time and very respectful of our property. 

 

The work was done ahead of schedule and without a hitch. Throughout the process, Glenn stayed in close contact by phone and e-mail. Suffice it to say, we were 100% satisfied with their work and would recommend Raven Restoration enthusiastically to anyone seeking to preserve their historic windows and doors. These two are true professionals."

Ken M.

Owner of a 1918 Craftsman 

"Glenn and Lauren worked on all 16 old double-hung windows at our 1880s Victorian in Noe Valley, San Francisco. They restored full opening and closing to all upper and lower sashes. They did custom tailoring for each window to let them operate smooth and efficient: made sash additions to compensate for excessive lateral motion, reconstructed meeting rails, made new window stops, replaced broken sash cords, adjusted window weights to counterbalance system of upper and lower sashes, restored function to existing sash-locks, etc. 

 

They installed a spring-bronze weatherstripping which enhances the smoothness of operation and helps to keep the house warm. THERE ARE NO MORE RATTLING WINDOWS! Glenn and Lauren did a lot for preservation: replaced damaged areas of glazing, replaced broken glass, strengthened corners of sashes. Only two badly rotten lower sashes were replaced. We lived in the house during the window restoration, and Glenn and Lauren worked quietly, one-two windows at a time, cleaned at the end of the day, did not leave any tools and materials, were always on time. I was impressed by quality and neatness of their work."

 

Irina V.

Owner of a 1880s Victorian in Noe Valley, San Francisco

 

"I called Glenn to get an estimate on repairing three of the windows in my 1909 Edwardian flat. All three had sashes that were in bad state – one of them was so rotted out that it was only being held together by paint! Additionally, one of the windows had some dry rot in its jamb. The price for three new sashes, as well as maintenance (freeing up the upper sashes, fixing some glazing, etc) was less than the cost of what one new window would have likely cost, installed.

Glenn did a great job keeping me informed of the state of the job as it progressed (including the state of newly manufactured sashes). Additionally, Glenn and Lauren did a fantastic job with the windows, they work flawlessly now, and are in much better shape."

 

Neil C.

Owner of a 1909 Edwardian

 

"I have an old Victorian in the heart of San Francisco. As with most old homes, my windows were drafty, ill-fitting and several were painted shut. I considered replacing all my windows, but thought it was a waste, considering most of the sashes were in fairly good condition. The cost for full replacement was also a major factor. I decided to search online for window restoration and found Raven Restoration.

Glenn, the owner of the company, came out to my home and listened to my concerns, looked at my windows and made some suggestions. He explained clearly how he would address the issues with my windows and what I could expect as an end result. After a few days I received a quote to repair all of my windows, which was less than half of what I was quoted for full replacement.
 

Glen and his assistant, Lauren, started on my project and worked diligently until each window was in good working order. Through the process, they were always timely, pleasant and professional. Overall, I am completely satisfied with the work we had completed by Raven Restoration and can without a doubt refer Glenn and Lauren to anyone who is in need of window restoration."

 

Marc W.

Owner of a 1885 Victorian in Cole Valley, San Francisco

 

 

"MTM Builders holds the primary contract with the National Parks Service for the management and execution of the current Fort Mason Officers Club Rehabilitation project located in the Park Presidio, San Francisco. MTM approached Raven Restoration as a historic preservation contracting company and qualified wood window restoration specialist to carry out the restoration of all of the historic windows in the original 1877 structure of the Fort Mason Officers Club.

Raven Restoration successfully completed all work as per architectural plans and specifications for the approved repair and replacement of the historic wood windows and all the original hardware components."

Raven adhered to AWI and WI Quality Standards and followed mandated historic treatment and preservation procedures for the following approved methods and materials:

• Followed a prescribed historic treatment sequence
• Accurately labeled historic parts for reinstallation
• Applied products according to manufacture and their use in marine and architectural restoration
• Stabilized and repaired wood windows and related molding to reestablish structural integrity and weather resistance while maintaining the existing form of each item
• Stopped the progress of deterioration by applying borate preservative
• Replaced items in place where possible and retained as much wood as possible
• Replaced and reproduced historic items where indicated or scheduled
• Replaced parts of entire wood members at locations where damage was too extensive to patch
• Made historic treatment of materials reversible whenever possible
It should be noted; Raven’s expertise and commitment to preservation methods exceeded our expectations. Glenn Tyrala showed a keen knowledge of the methods and materials accepted in the preservation of historic architectural structures. Glenn completed his projects well within the required time and to a high quality standard.
MTM would gladly consider Raven Restoration for future projects and highly recommends Raven Restoration as a qualified historic restoration specialist.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my experience working with Raven Restoration."

 

Kyle Winn, Project Superintendent, MTM Builders
Fort Mason Officers Club 

 

 

"This morning from 7:30-9:30 I was locked in my home office. The 1908 Georgian pocket door was stuck. I looked up door repair on the Internet and found Glenn’s name. I called, he came, I was rescued! I suppose I could have left through the balcony & up the fire stairs to the third floor, but I was in my pajamas, and would have faced 40 apartments. Glenn was most kind & professional. I would highly recommend him."

 

Bridget M.

Owner of a 1908 Georgian
Pacific Heights, San Francisco
 

 

"I was thoroughly impressed with the speed and ease at which Glenn was able to analyze, repair, and then replace the broken front window of our 1885 Victorian in Alamo Square. Not only did he replace the broken glass, but strengthened the sash and meticulously patched and color matched the primer on the sash, hiding any evidence of the repair work. I was dreading the multiple visits of an estimate and then the subsequent scheduling of a repair date and time, but Glenn was able to accomplish both and finish the project in one day. A true professional, I would recommend his work to anyone. Thanks Glenn!"

 

Tim C.

Owner of a 1885 Victorian in Alamo Square

 

"My wife and I contacted Glenn to do some additional work on our 1885 Victorian San Francisco home. We were so impressed with his initial professionalism on our relatively small project completed last year that we knew he was the guy for a much larger restoration project on our 120+ year old windows this year. Glenn was extremely thorough in his estimate and approach, taking careful consideration to maintain the period details we were seeking in our restoration project. 

 

His execution of the project was top notch, completing the work on time and within his estimated cost. But, I was most impressed with his knowledge and flexibility in helping us decide the optimal approach. Thanks to Glenn, 15 of our vintage Victorian windows are now operating for the first time in probably 30+ years. An added bonus is the huge reduction in both noise and draft coming through the windows! I would have no hesitation in recommending Glenn’s services and look forward to working with him again on our next restoration project."

 

Tim C.

Owner of a 1885 Victorian San Francisco

 

 

"Glenn expertly repaired/replaced a Victorian set of double-hung upper and lower windows in a professional and caring manner. He deserves your consideration!"

 

Hendrik B.

Pacific Heights, San Francisco

 

 

 

"After Glenn performed a competent evaluation on the windows of our 1905 Noe Valley Edwardian, we hired him to re-condition seven windows These included the front bay windows. Our objective was to keep the original windows and style of the period even though the house was being extensively remodeled. The work was performed on schedule in a very professional manner by Glenn and Lauren. 

 

The windows now operate well and should give many more years of service. After the job was complete, I noticed a few items that I wanted corrected. He returned in a timely manner and completed these. We are very satisfied with Raven Restoration and their craftsmanship."

 

Patrick C.

Owner of a 1905 Noe Valley Edwardian

 

 

"We hired Glenn to renovate the huge wooden windows in a 1904 San Francisco Victorian — windows around which we could see the sky (and which admitted endless dirt). Lauren did most of the work. What a great job! It’s pretty amazing to see slivers of wood of various sizes being expertly and carefully attached to the old wood to restore the windows after so many years of earthquakes and settling — and now they open and close beautifully. I really liked Glenn’s approach to bidding for the job: he didn’t over-promise, he explained fully what they would do and how. And Lauren implemented it wonderfully, and remarkably quickly. 

 

And then, something happened which I have never had happen before in dealing with a contractor of ANY type (and this is our third house, all of which have needed work over almost four decades): Glenn LOWERED the price because the work hadn’t taken as long as he thought it would. LOWERED the price, below that on the contract to which we had agreed. Not only does this man have talent in his chosen work — he’s also got a level of integrity that is quite amazing. (And I said I would gladly pay what I’d agreed. Nope, I’ll send you the new price.) I wouldn’t hesitate a second to hire him again."

 

Marsha C.

Owner of a 1904 San Francisco Victorian

 

 

“After purchasing my 1890 Queen Ann Victorian in the Haight Ashbury area of San Francisco in 2009 I began to start to restore it. I was pretty familiar with what need to be done inside in regards to remodeling and renovation so I began to gut, remove and restore the interior. Once this was on its way it’s way I began to address the exterior of the building. The building had beautiful rounded bay windows in front as well as arched windows on the sides. The sashes were in rough shape and many of the windows were replaced with plexiglass from the prior owners. I knew these all needed to be replaced and brought back to functioning order but I wasn’t sure who to consult. 

 

I began calling around and talking to contractors, builders, and architect that I knew with no real luck. I searched CraigsList and met with a few people. Finally after consulting with a few I came upon Glenn Tyrala who I met and we began to go over what needed to get done in order for all double-hung windows to function as well as all glass replaced and all weatherstripped. I felt his quote was fair so I hired him. Glenn moved quick and took pride in his work and I was very happy with the results. The windows look great, function complete and are much quieter than before. I would highly recommend his services.”

Michael K.
Upper Haight San Francisco

Owner of a 1890 Queen Ann Victorian

 

 

"We hired Glenn to replace the front door on our 1905 Edwardian in Noe Valley. We happened to have an old photo of our home showing the original door. Glenn and his team were able to work with photo to produce an absolutely fantastic door. Glenn spent a significant amount of time researching and identifying antique hardware for our door. The door plates and knobs are beautiful and Glenn was able to find a mail-slot and door hinges with matching patterns, which is incredible given that they were patented in 1888! In any event, I cannot say enough about the quality of the craftmanship Glenn and his team used to replace our front door. He was on time and kept us informed throughout the entire process. We would definitely recommend him to anyone and will engage him on future projects as we continue to update our home."

 

Knute and Jillian G.

Owner of a 1905 Edwardian in Noe Valley

 

 

"Glenn and his staff of one did a wonderful job restoring our paired Victorian entry doors and antique door knobs as well as all of the windows in our Hayes Valley 1876 Italianate. I would highly recommend him. He is very knowledgeable and trustworthy."

 

Patrick D.

1876 Italianate

Hayes Valley, San Francisco

 

 

 

"Glen is a true professional craftsman, of which there are not many left. No to be confused with the proliferation of “handymen” out there, Glen knows exactly how to perform restorations of period windows in our unique San Francisco Victorians. He provided accurate estimates to our condo unit owners, and completed the work to our great satisfaction. I recommend his services, and he is reasonable and courteous."

Michael D.
San Francisco