Historic WoodWindowsRepair or Replace?

Your Wood Windows Need WorkThe Dilemma: Repair or Replace?

Common Problems with Historic Wood WindowsPainted shutWeights droppedRopes frayed/ stuckBroken glassHardware missing or brokenGlazing chipped, brokenSash or frame rotted/ termite damaged

Historic Wood Windows vs. Modern Replacement Windows:The IssuesAesthetics/ Historic IntegrityLongevity/ MaintenanceEnergy SavingsEnvironmentEconomics

Historic Wood Windows: Aesthetics/ Historic IntegrityAppropriate for the style of your homeOriginal historic fabricOften built in custom sizes, shapes and stylesCraftsmanshipAppropriate historic profile, trimFit openings that may be out of square“Historic wood windows are an important part of what gives your older building its character.”

Replacement Windows: AestheticsMatch size, style, configuration, shape of originalsMany have inaccurate historic profile (muntins, frame size)Original casings, sills, and mullions may be removed Often installed using new details that are not historically accurateBright, glaring white….

Aesthetics: Issues to ConsiderAre my windows an important character defining feature on my home?Can I afford to replicate the features and details appropriate for my home ?Will the new windows detract from the home’s appeal?Do I want to remove original historic fabric from the home?

Historic Wood Windows:LongevityYour wood windows already have a 75+year track record of serviceMade of old growth lumberInfinitely repairable with standard tools“If your wood windows are 60 years old or older, chances are that the wood they are made of is old growth—dense and durable wood that is now scarce. Even high-quality new wood windows, except for mahogany, won’t last as long as historic wood windows.” - NTHP

Replacement Windows: Longevity/ MaintenanceReplacement wood windowsFast growth woodVinyl, metal, metal clad over woodGenerally a 20 year max. life for replacement windowsSprings give way, seals break, glass cloudsIndividual parts not repairable Lifetime warrantees refer to the life of the window, not your lifetimeEasier to cleanNo painting (vinyl, metal)“No Maintenance”= Can’t be Maintained

Longevity: Issues to ConsiderWill the replacement windows last as long as the repaired historic wood windows?Can I afford to replace the windows again in 10-20 years? Will I maintain the historic windows?

Historic Wood Windows vs. Replacement Windows: Energy SavingsWindows 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 fireplacesIt would take 40+ years to recoup the cost of the replacement windows through energy savingsStudies 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

Energy Savings: Issues to ConsiderAre there ways to retrofit my existing historic windows to improve energy efficiency?Are there other, more cost-effective ways to reduce energy usage in my home?

Historic Wood Windows: Energy Saving IdeasWeather-strip your existing windowsLock your window sashes to pull tightInstall screens and open your windows during temperate months in Florida (& turn off your AC)Install awnings, shutters, window treatments to shade windows and reduce AC loadOpen and close blinds, shutters, etc. during the dayInstall storm windows (interior or exterior)Apply Low-E films, tintSeal wall penetrations, install solar powered attic fans, plant a shade tree…

Weather-strip your existing windows

Lock your window sashes to pull tight

Install screens and open your windows during temperate months in Florida (& turn off your AC)

Install awnings, shutters, window treatments to shade windows and reduce AC load

Open and close blinds, shutters, etc. during the day

Install storm windows (interior or exterior)

Apply Low-E films, tint

Seal wall penetrations, install solar powered attic fans, plant a shade tree…

Historic Wood Windows: Environmental IssuesEmbodied energy=energy to produce, transport & install existing windowsRemoving windows discards the embodied energy already utilizedLead paint

Replacement Windows: Environmental IssuesEnergy required to extract raw materials, manufacture, transport and install the new windowsReplacement windows that contain vinyl or PVC are toxic to produce and create toxic by-productsLittle recycling valueAluminum, vinyl and glass are among the greediest materials in terms of energy consumption and resource depletionEach year, Americans demolish 200,000 buildings. That is 124 million tons of debris, or enough waste to construct a wall 30 feet high and 30 feet thick around the entire U.S. coastline. Every window that goes into the dump is adding to this problem.

Historic Wood Windows vs. Replacement Windows: EconomicsCost to replace vs. repairLife cycle costOngoing maintenance vs. future full replacementReturn on investmentNet energy savingsResale value of home

Be informed when choosing to repair or replace your historic wood windows…

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