WINDOW SLIP DIY KITS CAN…

The true mortise and tenon construction of antique windows is incredibly strong, and even when it begins to weaken, it is easily repaired. Many unique window shapes were created because of the craftsmanship of wood joinery. Antique windows were built to last and not end up in a landfill.

Antique wood windows are constructed of old-growth timber. The wood is much denser and more weather-resistant than today’s tree-farmed softwoods. Delicate profiles are possible because of the wood’s density. These windows are still around, even with years of neglect, because the wood is very high quality, requiring no cladding or additional materials to give them weather resistance. Minus all the ugly paint, wood windows are usually quite beautiful, graceful, and strong.

Even the glass in antique windows tells a story. It may be roundel or cylinder glass, each indicating a certain manufacturing era. Old glass has various colors and textures that are a delight to the eye. Two layers of glass are better than one, and in an antique home, the second layer of glass should be the storm window that protects the original.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is becoming one of the greatest concerns in the building industry. Not only does its production create an environmental nightmare, but the gasses it emits over time are also becoming a concern. Heaven forbid your house catches fire, as burning PVC can release toxic amounts of dioxin. If you are concerned about lead, please understand that it is used as a stabilizer in PVC manufacturing. If you are concerned about our planet’s health, you should read up on efforts to reduce the use of vinyl.

Replacement windows are set into the window opening, and the sash is smaller than the originals. You get less viewing area and less light. Who wants less light?

According to the Field Study of Energy Impacts of Window Rehab Choices conducted by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, the University of Vermont School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, the estimated first-year energy savings between a restored wooden window with a good storm window vs. a replacement window was $0.60. Yup, less than a buck. In their conclusions section, they noted, “The decision to renovate or replace a window should not be based solely on energy considerations, as the difference in estimate first year savings between the upgrade options are small.” Broken glass, failed glazing, no weatherstripping – these minor and repairable items are what really affect energy efficiency in windows.

Replacement windows are touted as a way to save energy, but when evaluated from the perspective of the entire production, the shipping, installation, and removal process when replacing windows consumes a whole lot of energy. Viewed the other way, an older building has a great deal of embodied energy. If the total energy expenditure to manufacture replacement windows is considered, the break-even period stretches to 40-60 years. In the words of Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation,

“We can’t build our way out of the global warming crisis. We have to conserve our way out. That means we have to make better, wiser use of what we have already built.”

With replacement windows, it’s all or nothing. We can do as little or as much as needed with repair and restoration work. Services like replacing broken panes and cords are inexpensive and quick. Even with complete restoration, our services are often less costly than wasteful window replacements.

Chances are your windows have done their job for 50 or more years already. Sure, they might be a little creaky and may not be as attractive as they once were, but it’s a far better investment to repair a proven performer than to sink money into a new window that only has a 20-year warranty at best. With proper maintenance, your antique windows should last another 100 years.