The Best Way to Replace Your Home’s Historic Windows

Any time you consider making a change to an older home, it’s important to be careful about the products and the style of the products you use in order to preserve the appropriate architectural elements as well as the home’s potential historic integrity.

Some homeowners worry about making upgrades to their historic property because they don’t want to detract from their home’s value, but putting off necessary home improvements can lead to bigger, and more expensive, structural problems down the road. Sometimes it’s important to replace features and fixtures as old parts of your house break down. Old windows, for example, can start to leak, and that can lead to problems like wood rot and mold. Here’s what you need to know about replacing the windows in your old or historic home.

Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

Just because windows are old doesn’t mean that they must be replaced. In fact, old windows can be an asset to your historic home if they’re in good condition. Signs that your windows need to be replaced include:

• Your windows are drafty, even when properly weather stripped
• Your windows are very difficult (or impossible) to open or close
• Multiple windows will not stay open
• Your window frames have wood rot, deterioration or corrosion
• The windows are showing signs that they leak (such as water stains around the window frames)
• The cost to repair your windows is so high that you may as well replace with windows that are more energy efficient

The easiest way to tell if your old windows need to be replaced is to get them evaluated by a reputable window professional who can tell you whether your windows need a simple repair or replacement.

Work With a Reputable Window Company

If you own a historic home, it’s best to work with a company that will replace your windows with a product that you can be proud of. The value of your historic home depends on the value of its fixtures and parts – including the windows.

When you’re choosing a good window company to replace your windows, this advice can help:

• Meet with multiple window dealers and installers
• Check references
• Get quotes from each dealer that you meet
• Consider factors such as the energy efficiency of each window

Choose the Right Window Style and Grille Pattern

The style of window that you choose will make a big difference in the appearance and thus the value of your home. To preserve its architectural integrity, it’s vitally important that you choose a window style that matches the architectural style of your home.

If your old Colonial originally had double hung windows throughout, replacing them with sliding windows just wouldn’t look right and would de-value the home.

Most older homes had true divided lite windows, meaning small rectangles of glass were mulled together to make one sash of the window. Today’s windows use more efficient window grilles to mimic the look of true divided lite windows.

One of the ways that you can match the style of the window to your house is by experimenting with a grille pattern that coordinates with the appearance of your house. Your window installer and dealer can help you choose a grille pattern that’s appropriate for your home.

Need to Replace Historic Windows? Get Started Today

Don’t wait to replace the windows in your old or historic home, especially if your current windows are leaking. To find out more about getting new windows, contact Renewal by Andersen of Long Island. Use the toll-free number (866) 609-5033 or fill out the form on this page.

 

 

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LEARN …

• The Difference Between Replacement and New Construction Windows!
• The Different Kinds of Frame Materials and What That Means to Your Windows’ Performance and Longevity!
• How the Right Glass Can Save You Money on Your Heating & Cooling Bills!
• The Critical Role Proper Installation Plays in the Performance, Durability and Warranty of Your New Replacement Windows!
• What Features and Options are Important to You and What Role They Play in Your Ultimate Satisfaction Today, and for as Long As You Live in Your Home!