Preserving your historic home presents many challenges. One of the most difficult decisions is whether to restore your original windows and doors or replace them with historically accurate versions. Depending on what problems your windows and doors are facing, it may be more economical now and in the years to come to replace rather than restore your windows.
Window and Door Restoration Techniques
Old windows face a wide variety of problems. Solutions exist to solve many of them, which you can pursue to preserve the character of your historic building. Of course, the effectiveness of these window and door restoration techniques varies, as does the cost.
Lead paint can be removed by certified workers. Then the window frames can be repainted or stained.
Rotted wood frames can be patched up.
Broken panes can be replaced with historically accurate glass.
Sandblasting can restore metal windows and doors.
Leaky windows can be fitted with new caulk and weatherstripping.
Out-of-square windows can be removed and planed down to accommodate a house that has settled over the years.
Replacing Damaged Windows with Historically Accurate Replacements
If attempting to restore your old windows is overwhelming, a simpler option might be to replace them. Don’t worry – you can find historic replacement windows that match the time period when your home was built, but that also feature up-to-date efficiencies that make life a little easier.
Historic window replacements offer the following benefits:
Lower utility bills: With better insulation and less air infiltration through modern double-pane windows, your leaky historic home suddenly becomes more affordable to heat and cool. Couple your upgrade with additional wall and attic insulation and suddenly your beautiful home boasts utility bills as low as more modern dwellings.
More comfortable interior: If the couch near the window traditionally remains unoccupied in the winter because of horrible drafts, you know the effect older windows can have on indoor comfort. Put those drafts in their place with modern windows designed to look like historic replicas.
Improved security: It’s common for out-of-square windows to be impossible to lock because the hardware doesn’t match up. This leaves your home and family susceptible to burglars. Improve your peace of mind with new windows that boast excellent security features, such as multi-point locks and impact-resistant glass.
Fewer maintenance requirements: True historic windows have more upkeep requirements because they’re almost always made of wood. If you want the look of wood without the maintenance, custom historic windows, including double hung windows, from top brands can meet your request.
Improved aesthetics: There’s no denying that a historic home looks better with historic windows, but if yours are chipped, faded and broken, your home’s curb appeal takes a hit. Improve aesthetics inside and out with new historic windows designed to match your home’s time period.
Improved resale value: Potential home buyers are interested in houses with windows that boast the above features. By ditching your lead-painted, inefficient, out-of-square windows for historically accurate replacements, you can add resale value if you ever decide to sell your home.
I have been working with this company for many years, trusting that if problems were to arise with a product, Quality Window would find a happy outcome for the customer. This has been the case!!
Mike Hudson is a thorough and profesional sales representative, always willing to patiently take a call and mitigate doubts and concerns. John Poulos offers amazing customer service. Always prompt and communicative. The liaison between company and client could not be in better hands!!
Thank you.
scarlet narciso
Great company that backs their product. We built a new house and Quality Window & Doors was the subcontractor for our Weathershield windows and doors.
Wayne and Noe came out to service a broken handle on our 16' Weathershield sliding door. We were technically beyond the warranty period but they repaired the handle for free. They also took the time to go around and adjust our other exterior doors to make sure they were well aligned now that the house had settled a bit. Wayne was a real expert and got all the doors adjusted and working perfectly!
Tucker Jones
Excellent products and service. The install went well too! Would definitely order from them again.
John Fu
Great service. I highly recommend Quality Window and Door for information, purchasing and service. I have used this firm for a number of years both as an architect and as a client. I've always been very satisfied with their products and service.
McCain McMurray
We are thrilled with our new windows and door! Excellent job from estimate to completion! The install team was fantastic and I loved that the lead installer was also present during the initial measurement phase. It took a few months for the windows to arrive so it was really nice to see a familiar face for the install and he knew exactly what to do! Highly recommend!!
Brenda
Quality Door and Window did a fantastic job at a reasonable price.in installing 23 replacement windows, including the combination of two windows into one larger picture window. Highly recommended.
Daniel Leach
QWD is a first rate company. The staff from product selection, estimate, showroom, measurement and installation were professional and highly competent. The installation crew paid attention to detail and went through great lengths to ensure our satisfaction. I love the new windows and I recommend them without reservation.
Sal Golub
Have relied on QW&D for all my window and door needs for over 25 years. I know I can count on their expertise and responsiveness.
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