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Article Summary
- A lot of historic homes have old wood windows, which can cause damage if not properly and regularly maintained.
- Old or historic homes often require permits prior to a window replacement project.
- Vinyl windows are a great option for old homes due to durability and energy efficiency.
If your old or historic home has been sporting the same old wood windows since day one, you are likely to be overdue for new windows. Even if the previous owners already replaced the original windows, replacement may still be the best way to preserve your home far into the future.
How to Know If You Should Repair or Replace Your Old Windows?
Here are a few signs you'll want to choose replacement over repair:
- Gaps between your window and wall let drafts and insects inside
- Frames are rotting, peeling, or warping
- Sashes are stuck or are hard to maneuver
- Glass is broken, cracked, or foggy
- Locks no longer work properly
While many homeowners try to fix drafts with foam or weather strips, those DIY repair tools act more like a temporary band-aid and can further cause damage to your old windows. While window replacement can seem daunting with an old or historic home, there are plenty of options available to improve your home's energy efficiency while maintaining its unique character.
Why Can Replacing Windows in Older Homes Be Challenging?
If you live in a historic district, you will be required to submit some sort of paperwork before you start an exterior home improvement project. Every state, city, and even district has its own unique standards regarding permit requirements, so it's best to check your local government's website.
Some areas may even have staff available to work with you directly to acquire the appropriate paperwork. For example, homeowners replacing windows in St. Louis can check with staff at the Cultural Resources Office to ensure their window replacement project follows the correct standards.
Permits can also vary in terms of turnaround time, so it's best to reach out to get all the details prior to scheduling an installation day with your window replacement company.
How to Preserve Your Home's Architectural Character
Window Nation offers a large variety of replacement window options to ensure your home maintains its architectural character. During your no-obligation consultation, your sales representative will take measurements, make a note about your home's age and location, and discuss all the options you can choose from based on this information.
Special Considerations for Windows in Brick Homes
If your old or historic home is made primarily of brick, you'll want to work with a professional window company over a general contractor. Why? Brick homes sometimes require extra work depending on if your frames are rotten or if your home has shifted over time.
Attention to detail is incredibly important when measuring for new windows because brick does not flex like other materials like siding. If measurements are even slightly off, you could deal with delayed completion times or sloppy installation work and further damage to your home.
Window Nation always measures each window three times to ensure the perfect fit, and their installation crews average 15 years' experience.
Lead Safety in Pre-1978 Homes
If your home is over 50 years old, it could still contain some lead-based paint. In fact, nearly three-quarters of pre-1978 homes across the country do.
To prevent exposure to lead hazards, the EPA's RPP Rule requires anyone who works on renovating, repairing, or painting an older home to be certified. Since window replacement involves the removal of old frames which could contain this paint, it's important to ask about current certifications, safety protocols, and debris disposal when consulting with a window replacement company.
Weather and Older Homes
Another topic to consider when shopping for new windows is the weather. Depending on your home's location, you may want a specific style of window to enjoy breezes, shield your belongings from intense UV rays, or protect against intense storms.
In places like St. Louis, vinyl can be a great option for an older home because of its minimal maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency. Plus, vinyl can come in a variety of colors, allowing you to further customize your windows to match your home's aesthetic.
Which Manufacturers Offer Authentic Historic Window Replacement Products?
The number of manufacturers that specialize in historic window replacement varies from region to region, and home to home. To see all your options, reach out to Window Nation for a free, in-home consultation. Your sales representative will be able to walk you through what's available and within your budget.