"Tax Credits!!!" "Energy Savings!!! You've seen the full-page newspaper ads. Before you dial that 1-800 number for replacement windows, read the following Q & A posted on the National Trust for Historic Preservation website :
"Are new windows truly "green"?
Tearing out historic windows for replacements wastes embodied energy – the energy required to extract the raw materials, transport them, make them into a new product, ship the product, and install it. What's more, when we keep our existing windows, we avoid all the negative environmental impacts associated with the manufacture of new windows. For example, the manufacturing of some windows produces toxic byproducts. And, the new wood that manufacturers use today can’t begin to match the quality of old growth wood in older windows.
And here's the kicker. New windows will often have a life span of just 10 to 20 years. Historic and older windows, when properly maintained, can last for many more decades. Furthermore, studies have shown that with proper weatherization and use of a good storm window, older windows can be made nearly as energy efficient as new windows – even in severe climates such as the Northeast.
Are replacement windows actually maintenance-free?
Vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite windows are manufactured as a unit and are maintenance-free only because, in most instances, the components cannot be repaired. When a part fails, or the insulated glass seal breaks, the entire unit must be replaced. By comparison, older wood windows are composed of interlocking parts made from natural materials, and any part can be repaired or replaced.
Will new windows really save you money?
Window manufacturers are quick to tell you that their products will save you money. While replacement windows could save you about $50 a month on your heating or cooling bills, those savings come after you spend $12,000, on average, for replacement windows for the typical home. So if you heat or cool your home, say, six months a year, the savings are about $300 annually. At that rate, it would take 40 years to recoup in energy savings the amount of money spent on the new windows! [my emphasis] And, by that time, your replacement windows will have needed replacing!"
Link: www.preservationnation.org/issues/savethewindows/learn_more.html
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Note: The National Trust for Historic Preservation website posts an extensive amount of information about preservation and sustainability. They have launched a new initiative to save old windows, and you can find more information about window repair, window repair workshops, and window restoration specialists on their site. You don't need to own a historic home to benefit from this information. The wood windows on a 1950s house are probably worth saving. NTHP is an advocacy organization. If you feel the need to consult a more neutral source, see below.
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Additional sources on the pros and cons of replacing old windows:
"Should Your Old Wood Windows Be Saved?" by Rob Yagid. Fine HomeFuilding (April-May, 2010): 210: 40-43. Link: www.FinehomeBuilding.com. Provides views by both window industry and window restoration specialists. Offers a two-page section on problem-and-repair solutions for broken sash cords, faulty sashes, worn window jambs, broken window panes, air and moisture leaks.
"Restoring Window Sashes." FHB (161).
Renovating Old Houses by George Nash (Taunton Press, 2003). Chapter 6, "Siding, Trim, Windows, and Doors" discusses the repair or replace issue, storm windows, window materials, sash repair and rehabilitation, replacing rotten sills, etc. His diagrams and photos are the best!
Green Restorations: Sustainable Building and Historic Homes by Aaron Lubeck (New Society Publishers, 2010. Chapter 11: "Windows," argues that repair/restoration is the greener and thriftier choice. Provides detailed information about the durability of replacement windows and the maintenance of old windows with checklist. Reviews storm window options, and discusses when to use specialty glass. Includes two case studies of homes with old windows needing extensive repair and restoration. This book is grounded in up-to-date building science. Photos are a little blurry. Useful references and glossary of terms.
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| Circa 1810 |
PHOTOS: Some Old Windows Worth Saving:
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| Circa 1910 |
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| circa 1890 |
Excellent points. Replacing older windows has always been one of my pet peeves, for all the reasons you mentioned. Plus, aesthetics aside, windows often contribute to the house's historic integrity. Replacing those windows changes the house's appearance and character — and even if the homeowner can find exact replicas, the cost would be even more and the quality perhaps less.
ReplyDeleteThis post presents some good points, Nancy, but I don't necessarily agree. For one, windows sometimes incur damages that are irreparable, so the best thing to do is to acquire replacement windows. No house is an exception to mishaps, and that's why LA residents like me count on window replacement in Los Angeles to restore the health of our house.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, saying that the proper maintenance of old windows can prolong their life can also be applied to any other type of window. So it must be true that old windows are as susceptible to deterioration as new ones.
This sounds like pure advertising to me. You miss the main point about old windows vs. new windows--of course old windows deteriorate, especially if not well maintained, but they were DESIGNED to be repaired, unlike replacement windows. Why else would 100 year-old windows still be viable?
DeleteI see your point in that a replacement of old windows to new windows would take about 40 years to be recompensed, but what about the security? don't you think taking out the old, thinning windows in your home , and replacing windows with new updated ones would help?
DeleteHappy Holidays! If you purchase a window with a ‘no maintenance’ moniker designed to last for 20 years and compare it to the cost of a more expensive landmark historic wood window designed to last for 100 years or more with efficiently planned maintenance, what cost/benefit considerations come to mind?
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ReplyDeleteAgain, your comment seems like an ad for your product, not a cost-benefit analysis.
DeleteThanks for your question. To enhance the security of my old (urban) windows, I installed a metal lock device on the sash that prevents the window from being raised more than one fourth the way up. This device also prevents children from falling out from an upper story window.
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ReplyDeleteReplacement windows are available in several materials including wood, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, vinyl-clad wood, vinyl, glass blocks and other composite materials. The most common materials for new windows are PVC-u and wood.
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i lived in an old house..i do replace the windows so when calamity comes it would not easily get damage..it has to be replaced so that it would look good too
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ReplyDeleteNot only are replacement windows affordable – they can even pay for themselves thanks to the savings they provide on your heating and cooling bills over the life of the new windows. Vinyl is, in many cases, more durable than wood and can provide an easy and affordable updated look to your home. windows nh
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It depends on how old the window is. Replacing them will make the house look clean and fresh. Also, it can increase your property value.
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ReplyDeleteNothing beats history. No matter how rugged, and seemingly worn down, they speak of legacy, moments, and placement. Pretty unwise to just knock that down, and all its value. But perhaps more than just replacing or repairing pre-existing ones is maybe adding another window in there somewhere. That's something we wouldn't have thought of, and would seem like an indulgence. But maybe that could bring in something to the house's look and form, and add more to the richness of it.
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Great plan on how to both replace and restore those windows. I have a friend that does that type of thing. It is something truly special. Too bad I don't have that gift. http://www.ultimatehomesolutions.net/exterior-remodeling/windows/
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That looks like quite the project. I really need to replace the windows at our home. They aren't quite as old as yours are, but I'm sure the same method would work. Maybe this weekend I will get the opportunity to work on that. http://www.rbacincy.com
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