True Divided Opinions about True Divided Light

19 years ago

The Situation

1) old traditional adobe house in NM with 14 windows that ain't working too well

2) windows are all wood (int. and ext.), single pane, double hung. Each sash contains only one vertical mullion - so two lights per sash.

3) we considering all wood replacement sashes with dual pane, low-e glass and would like to stay as true as possible to look and feel of original windows.

The Dilemma

1) architect (accomplished, reasoned, tasteful, and definitely not pushy) insists we will do ourselves and the house an injustice if we don't stick with True Divided Light on the replacements. He realizes the dual panes will require a 1.5" mullion in order to hide the spacer bar in between. He says it won't matter, seeing as how there is only one vertical mullion per sash and the windows are fairly large. In his opinion, Simluated Divided Light would make an undesireable aesthetic difference in the way light is diffused through this particular house.

2) Window dealer says architect is coo-coo. That we would never be able to tell the difference, and that the expense ain't worth it. (Besides, his company doesn't make dual panes with TDL, though I have found others who do.)

The Questions:

1) Can anyone describe for me the subtleties we're talking about? What are the aesthetic characteristics of TDL vs SDL?

2) Does anyone own TDL windows with dual panes? Are there risks involved with the durability and integrity of such windows?

3) Will I notice a big difference in the color and quality of light coming through once we switch to low-e glass (as opposed to single pane clear)?

4) Is there a bigger nightmare than remodeling a house? Geez.

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Comments (7)

corgilvr
19 years ago
I look forward to the window info. I'm restoring the 2 over 2 windows in my home and putting them right back in after almost 140 years of use.

Take the remodeling one step at a time. When the nightmare gets too bad, work on a dream. We're here to listen and may have found a solution to what you are dealing with. Please let us know what you decide about the windows.
jakabedy
19 years ago
Is cost a factor? If it is, I would get three quotes:

1) a quote from your SDL manufacturer on the SDLs. (This sill likely be the least expensive, the most conveniente, and the most objectionable to restoration purists).

2) get a quote to remove, repair and reinstall the existing sashes (this will likely be the most or next-to-most expensive, the least convenient, and applauded by restoration purists).

3) get a quote from a millwork co., or whomever else may manufacture TDL windows. (this will likely be the most or second most expensive, a little less convenient (lead time) and middle-of-the-road objectionable by restoration purists).

It's a sliding scale. Purity on one side, cost and efficiencey on the other. Oh, and I don't buy the quality of the light argument. My guess is that your architect is on the side of the scale of the restoration purists. This is his way of trying to provide you with an actual reason other than "because the TDL is the right thing to do."

Good luck!
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Chimayo
Original Author
19 years ago
jakabedy...

I have tried all 3 of your suggestions and you are about right in your heirarchy of costs. I myself am torn between the restoration purist side and the practicality side. I keep searching for a way to accomplish both. The search may be in vain until new technology comes along. Perhaps I need to look for the company that makes the most convincing SDL. Any thoughts on that? I am willing to pay a little extra, but not go overboard.
thetews
19 years ago
I do not like true divided lights. For the windows we've replaced we've gone with Marvin simulated divided lights. At the time they were the manufacturer whose windows looked the most historically acurate, especially with regard to the mullions. Since they (the mullions) are built into the inside and the outside (not snap on or whatever), just like they usually are on the high end true divided lights, they look good. IMO having that ugly metal divider in between the panes of glass doesn't look good when you get close to the windows, and adds nothing good that I can see.
Vivian Kaufman
19 years ago
We have 2 over 2 windows and went with TDL sash replacements. I just wanted to be as accurate as possible, and from the inside, the applied mullions just didn't feel right to me. We also still have some of our old windows (on the street side) and the TDLs seemed to match those the best.
KellyinWA
19 years ago
Have to concur with the Marvin poster. Our original sashes were missing or in too poor shape to repair. Our Marvin sash replacements were ordered through City Hardware in Astoria, OR. They came out and did all measurements, (the originals must have been constructed on-site. They were all slightly different sizes),informed us of the ogee option, and did a great follow-through. The sashes perform well, and look accurate. (We are in a historical district)
User
19 years ago
I concur re the Marvin simulated divided lights. I have 2/2's on a new addition to match the rest of the house and I find them convincing. I did not want TDL - more seals = more seals to leak.