Keep the Old Historic Windows or Replace them with New?

Replacement windows. What’s better? To replace old historic windows with new, low-emissivity windows and save energy? Or to keep the windows with their historic character and not save as much energy?

The debate rages between preservationists and designers-environmentalists. There is a middle ground: renovating a historic home’s windows for the same performance as new windows, and there’s a substantial argument for saving them.

The original windows add character that makes a house unique, and the those old windows are generally thicker and last longer than today’s windows, says the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Plus, as preservationists like to say, the greenest building (or window) is the one already built. No trips to the landfill. No new resources were used.

Take a look (gallery above from Houzz) at some of the ways that you can update your windows for energy efficiency, for a win-win situation.

Get Inspired!

Replace with Energy-efficient windows that maintain the integrity of the building. Check out a recent Driehaus Bungalow Award winner’s solution for updating the curb appeal of his home.

Some advice from the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission Community Planning & Development Department “A preservation-friendly approach: Retain, repair, replace. Try to repair what you have. Investigate the historic windows to determine the problems and their causes. Only after weighing the aesthetic, performance, energy efficiency, cost and long-term durability aspects of the proposed work can an informed decision be made on whether to repair or replace windows. If you cannot feasibly repair it, replace it with the same thing. Consider the impact of the new windows on the appearance of the building. Replacement windows should match the historic windows in their materials, operation, and design. If you cannot replace it with the same thing, replace it with something that is similar in appearance. Wood windows are offered with aluminum or vinyl cladding on the exterior, which helps reduce maintenance.”

We are Here to Help You with Your Window Selection.

Let us help you figure that out by evaluating the fit and energy efficiency of your home’s windows and doors. We’re ready to serve you and estimates are free! Please just give us a call at (847) 892-4071 or contact us at https://mccannwindow.com/contact. We’ll be right over.

Warmly yours,

Kevin McCann