Replacing Windows in Older Homes

Many of our clients as the question, "Should we replace our old windows with newer and more efficient windows." While I am an advocate for upgrading the efficiency of homes, I also believe that any remodel project should not be undertaken without careful consideration of other factors.

Many of the homes that we work on are historic homes, and often we are ask to evaluate the condition of windows and make suggestions on whether or not the windows should be replaced.

Below are some questions I usually ask myself before making a recommendation:

1. Do the windows contribute to the historical character of the home?




• If the answer is “yes” then I take a look at the condition of the windows. If the condition of the existing windows are in poor shape, then you may want to look at replacement options. When looking at replacement options I try to find a manufacturer that is able to manufacture new windows that will most closely match the configuration and mullion pattern of the existing windows.










2. Have the windows been painted shut?




• Often times the windows are still in good condition, but they have been painted shut by a past owner. It takes some work, but the paint can typically be cut along the operable areas and the windows can be refurbished to original working condition with much less cost than replacing the windows. Often in older homes we will find a true double hung window with the top panel painted shut and the bottom panel still operable. The original idea behind a double hung window is that in warmer months of the year the top panel can be lowered to allow air flow high in the room. Since heat rises, the operable top panel allows hot air to escape which reduces the need for mechanical cooling.  Due to this same theory we sometimes see transom windows in kitchen areas of old homes to allow heat to escape from the hot kitchen to cooler areas of the home.




3. Do the windows have single pane glass?









• It is definitely true that old single pane glass windows are not as efficient as newer double pane or even triple pane glazing systems, but the glass may be adding character to your home and that is sometimes overlooked by some homeowners and remodelers.


• Glass is actually a liquid that is being pulled slowly in the direction of gravity. Many of the older homes that I work on have glass that over the years has become thicker at the bottom of the pane than at the top. This gives a “wavy” illusion to objects on the other side of the window when looking through the glazing sometimes called the “bottled glass” effect.


• If your single pane glass adds a character to your home that is irreplaceable you might consider adding storm windows to the home. My own home has custom storm windows that we can easily remove and replace with screens during the summer months. The screens allow for cross-ventilation while keeping insects out of the home during the hot summer months.  During the winter months, the extra layer of glass provided by the storm windows keeps the windows from "sweating" and building up condensation. It also helps seal the house and makes it easier for the heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. It is a bit more maintenance to change out the screens and storm windows each spring and fall, but in my mind it is worth it to be able to keep the original glass. If you are thinking of installing storm windows, there are a few companies such as Van Dykes Restorers that have some nice looking hardware to attach the storm windows to your home.