Window Restoration

Why We Advocate Restoring Old Windows

Reason 1: Historic sash are made for their historic frames. They fit, they have a repairable operating system and they are designed for the house.

Reason 2: The quality of the construction and the materials have proven themselves. If they still exist, then can still survive.

Reason 3: Retain the architectural integrity and original materials. Only an historic window can look like a historic window. Anything else is a reproduction.

Reason 4: Long term cost effectiveness. 30% of replacement windows are less than 10 years old.

Old window= 100-200 or more years

New Window= 10-25 or less years

A replacement window can only be replaced, not restored. With the cost of today's quality replacements at about $600.00 to purchase, and about $200 to install/paint, a new window can be about $800.00. Replacing a new window 4 times over 100 years can end up 3-4 times the cost of restoration.

Reason 5: The compatibility of R-Value, or the heat loss index, can be the same. A new, double pane insulated glass replacement window can have an R-Value up to 3. A single pane historic window with a good storm window is an R-Value of 2. A R-Values table can be found at Colorado Energy's website.

Insulated walls have an R-Value of about 15, so a R-Value difference of 1 can be fairly insignificant. Another heat loss value system is U-Value, or the heat loss from an area of the window. If the replacement window does not fit well or is loose in the opening, then the R-value is reduced to a net zero.

Reason 6: Storm window wear versus new window. A window's exterior can fail from weathering in about 15-20 years. A storm window can wear out in the same amount of time. It can cost about 5 times as much to replace a window than a storm window. Once the seals of a new window fails, it is useless. There is no added protection from the weather. A historic window needs a storm window, but it is still easier and cheaper to replace a storm window, rather than a new window. The storm window saves time, energy and money.

Reason 7: The dreaded lead. A main concern for restoring or replacing the windows is the presence and spreading of airborne lead particles. According to the Department of Health, the means of reducing or eliminating lead content in the home is by making a house lead safe. For windows, the idea is to reduce the amount of airborne particles caused by friction points. The only way to make a window or house lead free is to replace the windows or elements, but, window sash can be made lead safe. HRI will restore the sash and removable parts and work with a qualified lead removal company to remove the lead from the frame, making a window frame lead safe.