From the pictures you posted it appears that your windows are in pretty good condition and unless there is some hidden damage or deterioration it looks like best case you might get by with some cosmetic clean up (scrape and paint, maybe new glazing putty?), replace missing ropes, replace weather stripping, etc. Best case nothing major required.

I wouldn't replace the single pane glass in your current windows with IG units because IMO it's a waste of money in your situation. Replacing your existing window glass with new IG units isn't going to result in energy savings that is worth the expense and hassle of the replacement, and frankly I consider it to be more gimmick than upgrade.

On the other hand you could update the storms, primarily for the aesthetic value, but if new storms were dual pane with a LowE coating you could realize both an energy performance upgrade plus improve comfort around the windows compared with what you have now.

Yes you can repair your windows and the ropes/weights and they will work again. Once you start replacing your windows you are into replacing them forever because you will be lucky if the new ones even last 15 years. Your current ones can be repaired forever if you take care of them. A single paned window with a storm is as efficient as a double glazed.

There are good reasons to preserve older windows just as there are good reasons for replacing older windows, but to say that replacements are going to last for 15 years or less is total BS unless the replacement windows are bottom feeder junk.

And while a single pane with storm might be equal in performance to a dual pane window, if the dual pane window is bare bones, a modern window with appropriate bells and whistles will totally surpass the single pane/storm combination in energy performance, but that doesn't mean that your windows need to be or should be replaced.

Once again there are very good reasons for saving/restoring older windows, and based on what your pictures show, I 100% believe that your windows are prime candidates for a relatively simple and basic restoration. But I believe that for practical and realistic reasons, not for the old, worn-out, cliched, and generally factually flawed arguments that are repeated over and over by the "restore at all costs" advocates.

Yes, I agree, factually flawed arguments are repeated ad naseum. Oberon can you point me to a replacement window manufacturer which gives a 40 year guarantee on their window? I have never found a guarantee except ones which say”lifetime guarantee”:and when asked how long that actually is receive the answer ” it’s as long as the window lasts” -lol.

Those windows are in good shape so don't replace although you might consider replacing the storms. Redoing the ropes so the windows open correctly is not particularly difficult or expensive. For the most recent ones I fixed, the challenging part was getting into the compartment to access the weights.

@Gargamel First, I recommend that you research the difference between guarantee and warranty.

Can you show any operable home construction product that is warrantied for 40 years...or any operable product of any sort that carries a 40 year warranty...or even 20 years.

Can you show any verifiable proof (from this century) of the claim that vinyl windows and or IG units won't last past 15 years, or that single pane with storm has the same performance values as a modern window high performance window?

Here's a video showing how to replace sash weights with spring balance, which may be a good idea to make them operate easier.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/windows/21016823/how-to-replace-sash-weights-with-spring-balances

I'd agree with the other pros: based on the condition of the windows (appears to be good) and your goals for the project, restoration of these windows is a great option, particularly if combined with a good storm window.

Few other points:

- Stating that replacement windows will only last 15 years is an overgeneralization at best. The fact is that there are some windows that will be falling apart before 10 years, and others that will last many decades. Windows are like any other product where there is a wide variety of quality and performance. You could certainly find a replacement window that would out perform your first option even with a good storm -- and last many years-- however you have other goals (respecting the age and design of the home) that tilt some weight away from replacement in this equation.

- As far as warranties, that is defined by the state that the product is purchased in. For instance, in WI, a "lieftime warranty" means 30 years. There is no manufacturer that could say that their lifetime warranty is "as long as the window lasts". There are legal definitions for these types of things.

If you might be interested in keeping your windows I found these people helpful:

Scott Sidler (The Craftsman Blog); John Leeke; The Old House Guy.

Perhaps look into an estmate for replacing your windows. It will probably be an eye opener, especially because you (and I) are in Canada.

I have inward opening casement windows and although I love them, they take up a lot of room in the interior when open - just something to be aware of.

15 years...No wonder my phone has been ringing off the hook for the last 4 years.

Any other "data" than a screenshot that says energy savings are "similar". General terms are just that...general. Comparing and contrasting the functionality and visible glass encroachment with a storm window is probably worth discussing as well.

Ironic that this thread is turned to this discussion when every single recommendation prior to the false statements about the longevity of replacement windows recommended that this poster restore their windows vs. replace. Kind of shadow boxing...a shadow.

All the restoration blogs are great sources of information and applications. Just don't seem to ever mention lead paint hazards or the legality.

Good luck with your decision Guillaume.

I would price it out. Putting on a quality storm window and a restoration with a weatherstripping upgrade is not cheap.

I would not mount the storm windows on top of the casing like they are now, mount them on the blindstops.

The restoration blogs typically don’t mention cost and are DIYS focused, they skate around the lead issue, they compare performance to windows from the 80’s. They also leave out ease of use. Cleaning the glass on a modern window can be done in under a minute, an old window and storm might to turn into a day project for 1 window.

Spot on @toddinmn

Kind of like the pricing figures that are discussed on most of the renovation shows...when they aren't working off an ACTUAL budget.