Historic Renovation: Windows

When you are in the process of historic renovation, windows are often a difficult purchase. Should you repair the originals, buy replacement windows that are in line with the era of your home or install modern looking windows? The choice ultimately depends on what you want to accomplish.

First you must decide if you are doing a renovation or a restoration. When you restore a home, you try to keep it as close as possible to how it would have looked when it was new. You work to repair as much of the original home as possible, including windows. For those things that cannot be repaired, you will want replacements with an eye toward historical accuracy. Trim, fixtures, and even windows can be purchased to make your home look architecturally correct for the era it was built.

If you are concentrating on a renovation you will probably choose to spend less time worrying about accuracy and more time thinking about what works best for you. In a renovation windows can be totally changed or eliminated all together. You may choose to install double paned windows, tinted windows, or some other modern type. The choice is yours. If you plan on ultimately selling your home you should be aware that many people who are interested in old homes prefer historical accuracy over modern renovation. Generally, even a very good reproduction looks like a reproduction and not the real thing.

Don’t replace those old, wooden windows too quickly. The truth is that well maintained wooden windows are often superior to the modern double paned windows as far as energy efficiency. Here are some more things to think about:

• There is nothing that looks the same as the old glass.
• Adding storms and doing simple repairs will increase the energy efficiency of those old windows.
• The original windows were made with craftsmanship and materials that cannot be reproduced.
• It is often easier than most people think to repair windows.
• It is more environmentally friendly to keep the old windows. Consider it a recycling project.
• It is often more cost effective.
• New reproduction windows look like new, reproduction windows. The light patterns, glass patterns, and panes are not the same.

In a historic renovation, windows can usually be completely restored with good results. Not only is this often the less expensive option, it maintains the historic integrity of your home.

The process for restoring vintage windows is:

1. Clean the window with gentle, natural cleaner. A weak vinegar and water solution and soft cloth is perfect. Choose a wood cleaner, like Murphy's Oil Soap, for the wood.
2. Inspect the window
3. Do any routine maintenance and repair that is necessary.
4. Stabilize any weaknesses. For example, chips and holes can be filled with wood putty, decaying areas can be treated with fungicides, and traditional waterproofing techniques (such as the use of linseed oil) can be used.
5. Parts Replacement is next. Any parts that cannot be repaired should be fixed if possible. This might include sash replacement or splicing in pieces of missing woodwork.
6. Weatherizing should be done at this point to ensure that the windows are protected. Adding storm windows may be the best option.
7. What ever can't be repaired will ultimately have to be replaced. If the window is beyond repairing and replacement is the only choice you should consider the look of the window and buy as close to the same design as possible. Take special note of the number and size of the panes in the window because this will have a major effect on the way the house looks when it is finished. Other things to consider are the muntin profile, the type of wood, and the size and shape of the window itself.

• Weathershield is one of the companies that has combined historical accuracy with modern efficiency. Wooden interiors and exteriors keep it looking like an old house. They have added old world features and custom sizes to make these windows fit your vintage home perfectly. At the same time the modern need for energy efficiency has been kept in mind.
• Hurd Historic Windows and Doors is a manufacturer with an eye for the quality and detail that is so important in older homes.
• Restoration Hardware has been one of the leading dealers of items for vintage homes for decades. If you need it they are likely to have it.
• VanDykes Restorers is another source of helpful items.
• Replacing Windows in Historic Homes
• Jim Illingworth Millwork specializes in creating custom windows and historic reproductions.

For more information about historic windows be sure to visit the United States government's official website on historic preservation. They have complete information on the process for restoring those old windows and why it is important to do so whenever possible. The site is part of the National Parks Services.

Owning a vintage home is a wonderful opportunity to preserve history.

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