Restore, Don't Replace
With routine maintenance, any component - glazing, putty, sashes, or hardware - can be individually repaired or replaced, avoiding the need for a full window replacement. Restoring historic wood windows is the more sustainable , environmentally responsible, and historically respectful choice.
Historic windows possess aesthetic attributes - the beauty deriving from correct proportions, craftsmanship, traditional materials, and old glass - that simply cannot be replaced by modern replacement window units. Retention of original and old wood windows is the sustainable choice, conserving both building character and the environment.
Historic Windows
Historic windows are both critical components of a building's weather envelope and valuable character-defining features worth retaining for architectural and environmental reasons. Learn about the rich history and variety of wood, steel, and aluminum windows and construction methodology. Explore the maintenance and rehabilitation techniques that allow windows to have long and sustainable ...
Historic windows are among the most impor-tant elements of a building. Simple repairs and routine maintenance coupled with storm win-dows make for energy efficiency that in most cases matches, if not exceeds, the efficiency of replacement windows .
New Life for Old Windows
Moving forward, it's essential to keep these visual contexts in mind when discussing Creating Sustainable Historic Windows With Durable Panes.
Pro Tip: As This Old House general contractor Tom Silva has noted, a well-sealed single- pane window with a good quality storm is just as efficient as a new double- pane window . That means our vintage windows , paired with the right inserts, can achieve modern performance without sacrificing their historic character. A Charleston Challenge
This publication is the most comprehensive guide available on the preservation and rehabilitation of windows in historic buildings. Containing over 600 pages of valuable information, it covers appropriate window treatments and provides technical guidance for architects, building managers, contractors, and property owners.
Historic Windows Windows are significant to the historic character of older buildings, contributing as highly visible features of the exterior and often as distinctive elements of the interior as well. Restoring and rehabilitating windows in historic buildings have become increasingly complex in recent years.
The windows in many historic buildings have functioned for more than 100 years and, with regular maintenance, will usually survive longer and work better than any replacement window . A replacement window does not generally pay for itself in a reasonable length of time.
How to Make Historic Windows Energy
Discover practical ways to improve energy efficiency in historic windows without sacrificing their original beauty. Learn about restoration, insulation, and modern upgrades that preserve style while reducing energy costs.
Recommended These exterior storm windows match the pane configuration of the historic interior windows in a residence and in a multi-story hotel building. Recommended The new metal interior storm window was carefully matched to the exterior window as part of the rehabilitation of this historic armory building.
