To restore windows or replace

6 years ago

I am purchasing a 1930s farm full of original woodwork to include wooden windows complete with ropes and weights. They are drafty and rattle even with 3 piece storms. I have no trees to buffer wind and sit on a hill in Connecticut so we do experience temperature extremes.
I do not want to destroy the plaster or woodwork but the windows obviously need attention. They match the trim perfectly so I'm considering restoring versus replacing the windows. Anybody have experience? Everyone thinks I'm crazy for even considering doing this. There are 18 windows currently. For context i will also be doing an addition to add a family room and an additional bath.

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PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

6 years ago

Honestly...it depends on the extent of the restoration, the "salvage-ability" of the windows, and the human capital contingent. You don't have to destroy the plaster in many remove and replace options as there are more surgical methods that can be deployed from insert to sash kits and so on.

Post some pictures of the windows and what kind of state they are in. Start looking for restoration contractors in your area that can restore the windows and if you are going to do an apples to apples comparison, you would likely be looking for the following workscope items to be hit:

Remove sashes
Strip lead paint
De-Glaze glass
Re-Glaze with dual pane IGU after retrofit of the sash frame to accommodate the dual pane IGU thickness
Strip jamb of paint in prep for new compression jamb liners
New Jamb liners and sashes reinstalled
Possible new storm for additional wind protection

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Comments (6)

Tiny J
6 years ago
Reglaze and keep them, for sure.
Andrea Lathrop thanked Tiny J
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Seabornman
6 years ago
I encourage you to keep the existing windows and rehabilitate them, if at all feasible. Replacement windows are very often a poor (and expensive) intrusion on an older home.
Andrea Lathrop thanked Seabornman
User
6 years ago
Restore, here a great resource "Save America's Windows" by John Leeke http://historichomeworks.com/publications/
PRO
toddinmn
6 years ago
I have done it and I think You might be crazy. I’d start with one and decide from there.Take the proper precautions for lead paint . Most people that restore Old windows due not go to a dual pane IGU.
Gargamel
6 years ago
The Craftsman Blog also has great info on old windows (and old houses) . Don’t rip them out. You will be buying new windows in 25-30 years (probably less).