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Update Historic Windows for Charm and Efficiency
Renovate old windows to keep the character but lose the energy outflow from your home
I write about interior design and architecture, and take what I learn into my own home (you may find me sanding and painting a kitchen table on the weekends). You can find my articles, published in Apartment Therapy, Architect, Eco-Structure, GRAY, Preservation, The Washington Post and more, at lindseymroberts.com.
I write about interior design and architecture, and take what I learn into... More »
What's better? To replace historic windows with new, low-emissivity windows and save energy? Or to keep the windows with their historic character and not save as much energy?
The debate rages between preservationists and designers-environmentalists, but there is a middle ground: renovating historic windows for the same performance as new windows. And there's a substantial argument for saving them.
Not only do they add character that makes a house unique, but old windows are generally thicker and last longer than today's windows, says the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Plus, as preservationists like to say, the greenest building (or window) is the one already built. No trips to the landfill. No new resources used.
Take a look at some of the ways that you can update your windows for energy efficiency, for a win-win situation.
The debate rages between preservationists and designers-environmentalists, but there is a middle ground: renovating historic windows for the same performance as new windows. And there's a substantial argument for saving them.
Not only do they add character that makes a house unique, but old windows are generally thicker and last longer than today's windows, says the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Plus, as preservationists like to say, the greenest building (or window) is the one already built. No trips to the landfill. No new resources used.
Take a look at some of the ways that you can update your windows for energy efficiency, for a win-win situation.
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Historic windows are often wholly unique, like this elaborate stained-glass entry in a historic Chicago home. It's unlikely to find similar windows in today's newly built houses.
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by Shannon Malone
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| If you're faced with leaky, old windows, Heritage BC, Canada's version of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, suggests starting by repairing the existing frame, sash and glass. |
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| Windows can also be draftproofed and insulated with appropriate caulking and weatherstripping materials. For wood-frame windows, Natural Resources Canada suggests using a quality, self-adhesive plastic V-strip weatherstripping. The windows in this North Carolina house were restored by architect Anthony O. James. |
by Kasey Buick
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Adding indoor or outdoor storm windows and heavy drapes will help reduce the load on your heating and cooling systems.
The U.S. Department of Energy says that storm windows don't add to the insulating properties of single-pane windows, but they do reduce the movement of air in and out, thus reducing heating and cooling costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy says that storm windows don't add to the insulating properties of single-pane windows, but they do reduce the movement of air in and out, thus reducing heating and cooling costs.
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Adding extra locks to window sashes will help tighten a window's seal, preventing air inflow and outflow.
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| The windows on this house in Portland, Oregon, by Emerick Architects, are worth saving. Tell us: Do you have historic windows in your home? More: Replace vs. Restore: The Great Window Debate Energy-Efficient Windows: Understand the Parts Energy-Efficient Windows: Decipher the Ratings Contractor Tips: How to Choose and Install Windows |
Ideabook updated on May 2, 2012.
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The floor-to-ceiling windows in my 1867 Vermont house are original (for the most part). There is nothing particularly special about them, other than the fact that they are (mostly) original. There are also storm windows on the outside. Here is the main problem: the previous owner painted the inside windows shut. Carpenters have said that cutting through the painted seals will ruin the frames.
Not only do I want to be able to open the windows, but the area between the original and the storms needs cleaning. What should I do / have done?