Factors to Consider When Choosing to Repair of Replace Historic Wood Windows
When historic wood windows are in need of repair, many homeowners automatically assume it is time for wholesale replacement of all the windows in the house. This is not only an expensive, disruptive project, but also begins a long term replacement cycle that can be easily avoided while saving money, energy and being environmentally friendly. However, many homeowners are not fully informed about the issues related to replacement windows and the options for repair. Below are some of the factors to consider before making the decision to replace the original wood windows in your historic home:
* Economics - When the original wood windows are painted shut, have broken sash cords, broken glass or a portion of the sash or frame is rotted or damaged, the windows are repairable by a carpenter for a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. In addition, repairing historic wood windows does not require modifications to the existing opening framing or replacement of historic trim, which can add unexpected costs to your window replacement job.
* Longevity - Your wood windows already have a 75+ year track record of service and are infinitely repairable with standard carpentry tools. Most modern replacement windows have an expected life span of 10-20 years before the springs fail, seals break and the glass clouds. These replacement windows do not have replaceable parts, so when this occurs, the entire factory made unit has to be replaced, starting a cycle of required replacement.
* Energy Savings - Energy savings studies have demonstrated that a historic wood window, properly maintained, weather-stripped and with a storm window, can be just as energy efficient as a new window. Windows contribute only 10-12% of overall infiltration to the building envelope. Much more infiltration occurs at roof eaves, foundations and even through wall receptacles, dryer and plumbing vents, and fireplaces. According to studies, it can take 60 or more years to recoup enough money in energy savings to pay back the cost of installing replacement windows, but by this time, the new windows have already failed and been replaced again several times over. More cost effective energy savings ideas include installing storm windows, awnings, operable shutters, or insulating window treatments, plus adding wall and attic insulation and caulking/sealing around wall and roof penetrations.
* Environment - Each year, Americans demolish 200,000 buildings, creating 124 million tons of debris. Every window that goes into the dump is adding to this problem. Replacing historic windows discards the embodied energy that was used to create the original windows and requires the consumption of more energy to produce the new windows. In addition, replacement windows that contain vinyl or PVC are toxic to produce, create toxic by-products and are not recyclable.
* Aesthetics - The original wood windows on a historic home are the architecturally correct style and proper proportions for your historic home. Replacing unusual shapes and historic sash patterns often requires expensive custom replacement windows or replacement with a lesser design. Standard style replacement windows often have different frame and muntin profiles that are oddly proportioned on your historic home as well. In addition, metal and vinyl windows do not hold paint well, and are generally stocked in glaring white which does not look aesthetically pleasing on many historic home styles.
* Historic Integrity - Repairing rather than replacing historic wood windows retains the original historic fabric of your home. Once they are removed, they can never be truly replaced.
Ms. Peck is a Historic Preservation Consultant with over 12 years experience working with historic Florida homes. She is President of Preservation Resource, Inc., which has recently introduced a specialized line of traditional products for historic homes at HistoricShed.com.
* Economics - When the original wood windows are painted shut, have broken sash cords, broken glass or a portion of the sash or frame is rotted or damaged, the windows are repairable by a carpenter for a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. In addition, repairing historic wood windows does not require modifications to the existing opening framing or replacement of historic trim, which can add unexpected costs to your window replacement job.
* Longevity - Your wood windows already have a 75+ year track record of service and are infinitely repairable with standard carpentry tools. Most modern replacement windows have an expected life span of 10-20 years before the springs fail, seals break and the glass clouds. These replacement windows do not have replaceable parts, so when this occurs, the entire factory made unit has to be replaced, starting a cycle of required replacement.
* Energy Savings - Energy savings studies have demonstrated that a historic wood window, properly maintained, weather-stripped and with a storm window, can be just as energy efficient as a new window. Windows contribute only 10-12% of overall infiltration to the building envelope. Much more infiltration occurs at roof eaves, foundations and even through wall receptacles, dryer and plumbing vents, and fireplaces. According to studies, it can take 60 or more years to recoup enough money in energy savings to pay back the cost of installing replacement windows, but by this time, the new windows have already failed and been replaced again several times over. More cost effective energy savings ideas include installing storm windows, awnings, operable shutters, or insulating window treatments, plus adding wall and attic insulation and caulking/sealing around wall and roof penetrations.
* Environment - Each year, Americans demolish 200,000 buildings, creating 124 million tons of debris. Every window that goes into the dump is adding to this problem. Replacing historic windows discards the embodied energy that was used to create the original windows and requires the consumption of more energy to produce the new windows. In addition, replacement windows that contain vinyl or PVC are toxic to produce, create toxic by-products and are not recyclable.
* Aesthetics - The original wood windows on a historic home are the architecturally correct style and proper proportions for your historic home. Replacing unusual shapes and historic sash patterns often requires expensive custom replacement windows or replacement with a lesser design. Standard style replacement windows often have different frame and muntin profiles that are oddly proportioned on your historic home as well. In addition, metal and vinyl windows do not hold paint well, and are generally stocked in glaring white which does not look aesthetically pleasing on many historic home styles.
* Historic Integrity - Repairing rather than replacing historic wood windows retains the original historic fabric of your home. Once they are removed, they can never be truly replaced.
Ms. Peck is a Historic Preservation Consultant with over 12 years experience working with historic Florida homes. She is President of Preservation Resource, Inc., which has recently introduced a specialized line of traditional products for historic homes at HistoricShed.com.
Comment
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Comment by Jo-Anne Peck on July 29, 2009 at 12:00pm
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Kathy, thank you for your kind comments! We haven't actively marketed in Sarasota yet, but we definitely do projects there (have a custom 8' tall screen door shipping that way this week). Is there a website for your historic neighborhood association? We love to support historic neighborhoods by advertising in their newsletters as opposed to more traditional media.
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Comment by Kathy Shanley on July 29, 2009 at 10:58am
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JoAnn: I just visited your website and it is great! I live in historic Gillespie Park in Sarasota and lots of my neighbors will be interested in your services. Do you do work as far south as Sarasota? Kathy Shanley
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