Why Keep Original Windows?

Looking at the world through an old window is a unique experience. Old glass engages us. A shadow, a flash of light, a movement that appears then disappears as we move away. Bubbles are suspended, forever frozen, giving old glass a look that is often emulated but rarely duplicated.

In spite of their distinctive qualities historic windows, according to Maine (USA) Preservation, “are most endangered due to alarming destruction and replacement with inferior windows”. A short drive around any historic neighborhood quickly reveals those building owners that have heeded the siren call of the new window salesman. “New is better” is a song sung by builders, renovators and energy auditors. All the while our landfills overflow with discarded building materials. So why keep original windows? Consider some of the following reasons:

• The windows were designed to complement the architecture and style of your home. They simply look better because they help to maintain the home’s original character, scale and materials. Home buyers who appreciate these features are often prepared to pay a premium for original details.

• Original windows are an integral part of the authenticity and integrity of the building. Grant money is often available for the preservation of historic buildings. The likelihood of getting funds or being denied is often dependant on whether a building still has its original windows - they’re that important.

•  Original windows will last the lifetime of your building if maintained. Vintage windows were constructed of old growth woods harvested from forests that had been in existence for hundreds of years. This slow growing wood provided superior resistance to warping and binding. New wooden windows, made of much younger trees, do not have this resistance.

 

• Original windows can meet, even exceed, the energy rating of new windows. According to Peter Caron of Edmonton, an old house expert, there are many techniques and materials that can increase the energy efficiency of old windows. His home serves as a laboratory for testing the various methods and products that he recommends to his clients. An independent energy audit rated his home 76 out of 80 – better than most new homes. His home has all its original windows.

• Original windows can be maintained. Vinyl windows, with an average life expectancy of twenty years, cannot be maintained, only replaced. Given the high cost of replacement, it is an important thing to factor into your decision to repair or replace original windows. Add to this the fact that many new windows consist of moving parts, many which will not be available in the future when you need to replace them.

• Original woodwork will be affected. Replacing windows usually results in damage to the surrounding millwork. Attempts to replace and stain new wood to match existing millwork usually results in failure. Old wood develops a beautiful patina over time which is hard to copy.

With all these good reasons to keep original windows why is it that heritage building owners continue to discard them in favor of new ones? “We live in a fast food world – everyone wants instant gratification” opines Caron, “but there are many things that can be done to old windows to make them more efficient”. Here are some:

 

• Sash windows can be fitted with a pliable metal weather stripping that closes the gaps around the sash.

• If the pulleys are inoperable, the cords can be removed and the resulting cavity filled with a special strip of insulation.

• Original storm windows can be fitted with double panes of glass, or new storms built in the style of the original.

• A pane of Plexiglas can be fitted into the window frame from the inside of the room and removed in the spring. This stops any drafts from entering the home through the windows. This technique is especially effective for specialty windows such as stained glass windows.

• Cracked panes may be replaced with slightly heavier glass and for those homeowners who value the look of authentic old glass, new glass that imitates the old can be purchased by special order.

If after all, you still decide to replace your windows, do our landfills a favor and consider donating them to architectural salvage companies. Some are run by charitable organizations and you will be doing a good deed as well as saving the windows for someone else who is willing to go the extra mile to save them.

Original windows are an important part of a comfortable home .Repairing, rather than replacing windows takes time and effort, but the years of enjoyment, overall lower costs, and knowledge that you have helped preserve a part of our architectural heritage will make it all worthwhile.

Link Link 2 Link 3 Link 4