Summertime is the perfect season to open your windows to enjoy the fresh air on longer summer days. Raising and lowering the windows in your historic brick home may cause you to take closer note of their condition. If there are issues, you’ll need to consider all the factors (such as cost and energy efficiency) before making a decision on repairing vs. replacing the old windows on your historic brick home.
Ask yourself these questions next time you’re opening and closing your windows:
- Are they stiff and hard to raise or lower?
- Is the old wooden framing deteriorating?
- Are any glass panes cracked?
- Can you feel a draft even when the window is closed?
How will the windows in your historic brick home perform when temperatures drop? Washington, DC winters are anything but mild. Now is the best time to check your old windows and ensure they are ready to keep in the heat when winter arrives.
Should I Repair or Replace My Old Windows?
A historic brick home's period-specific windows are important to its originality and character. Keeping them may be more important to you as a homeowner than better energy efficiency. Many older wooden windows can be repaired or restored, and some modern additions, like storm windows, can make them more thermally efficient.
Should you repair or replace your old windows? Here are some important factors to consider when making this decision.
Window Condition
The condition of your windows is a critical factor. If your windows are in poor condition, with cracked or broken glass, warped frames, or other damage that cannot be repaired, it may be better to replace them. However, a historic brick home restoration expert will be able to assess your windows and determine how best to repair them. Some windows in older historic homes have original iron security bars on the outside, which may need additional restoration or replacement when work starts on your windows.
Historical Accuracy
If you own a historic brick home, maintaining its historical accuracy may be your top priority. In this case, it is important to choose replacement windows that match the style and design of your home. The replacement should be as close as possible to the original in the type of wood, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. This means your replacement windows should match the other original windows on your building and those on similar buildings adjacent to, or in the neighborhood.
Many contemporary products are available for replacement, and many of these can be customized to replicate the original. When you search for a replacement window, your goal is to retain as much of the character of the original window as possible. There are many suitable new windows available from custom wood window companies specializing in making replacement windows appropriate for historic homes.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency may not be your primary consideration, but it is important for any homeowner. If your windows are old and drafty, replacing them with energy-efficient windows can help you save money on your energy bills in the long run. Certain repairs and additions can help older windows be even more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Cost
Of course, cost is always a factor to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your old windows. A professional brick home restoration expert can determine if repairing your windows would be less expensive than replacing them. Modern replacement windows can also be customized to match your home's historical appearance. If your home has a landmark or historic designation, there will be reviews required, and there may be special permission necessary to replace the old windows.
Contact Renaissance Development today for more information about windows and other aspects of maintaining your historic brick home in or around Washington, DC.
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