Restoration and Replacement of Vintage Windows
Whether you have a Retro or Victorian home, restoration or replacement of your vintage windows is vital to maintaining your home’s look and feel. Is it possible to make repairs and maintain the original windows, or will the windows need to be replaced? Do you have high heating costs? Is mold forming on the windows? These are serious issues, but there are possible solutions.
Naturally you will want to preserve the style of your home. In the long run, restoration and replacement of vintage windows, although it can be expensive, is well worth the cost. Make sure to research all of your options, then buy the best quality within your budget. You can save even more money with energy rebates, tax incentives and Energy Star product rebates; check with your local power company and city and state governments.
Replacing broken balance ropes and weather stripping for leaky frames are simple window repairs. More serious problems, however, will likely require restoration or complete replacement. If your windows are well-made and are in fair condition, and especially if your vintage windows have “rolled” glass (handmade glass with a wavy look), it may be better to have the windows restored to their original state. It costs about the same to restore or replace windows; however, maintaining vintage windows throughout each season requires a great deal of work. You alone can decide if it is worth the effort.
This video by Bagala Window Works features a start-to-finish antique window restoration project:
Window replacement costs range anywhere from $150 to $500 or more, so you need to consider how long you intend to live in the house and the number of windows you will replace. It may take up to 20 years to recoup your investment in lower energy bills.
Replacement wood or vinyl inserts and double-hung sash replacement kits are two popular types of sash windows for vintage homes. Consider vinyl replacement windows if you want easy maintenance. There are sash replacement kits available if you want to retain the authentic wood look of you old double-hung windows. Old window jambs must be square and rot-free and the measurements precise.
Finally, remember that replacement or restoration of vintage windows is a large job, so it is important to get expert opinions as well as project estimates from several window contractor before you commit.
