Old Windows – Are they Worth Saving?

When I purchased my 1903 dream house, (that is in historic distric on the National Registry of Historic Places) many of the original or at least authentic windows were replaced by modern vinyl. Like most home owners I thought that this was pretty great when I bought the house. But as I evolved as a preservationist and became more educated about old houses, I had some doubts about my modern windows in my historic home. One comment in particular made my stop and think, “Your old windows are more than 100 years old –do you think those crappy vinyl windows are going to last half as long?”

Preservationists' arguments for maintaining old windows summed up:

• Old windows are repairable and new windows are disposable
• Old windows add architectural detail to the house
• Old windows showcase craftsmanship in both glass making and carpentry
• Old windows give a house character and help define the house
• Old windows are as important as the beautiful woodwork
• Replacement windows decrease the size of the originals which hurt the look and feel of the home

A salespersons argument for replacing old windows can be summed up:

• New windows will save you energy
• New window are easier to clean
• New windows will last forever

My take on windows:

• Some old windows should always be saved or reproduced.
  Old windows that contain architectural details such as entryways, leaded glass, rounded/curved beveled glass should be saved or reproduced in almost all cases.
• Storm windows can save energy, but are terrible ugly and inconvenient.
  When installed properly, storms windows are nearly as efficient as modern replacement windows. But storm windows are far uglier than most replacement windows, but for some reason they are encourage by preservation guidelines - even when they are not accurate for the period of the home.
• Replacement double hung windows can be uninstalled
  Contrary to preservation purists' beliefs (a rule in renovation - whatever you do to change your home to meet your needs should be easily undone when your gone)
• Replacement windows are safer
  No climbing ladders to put on or take off storm window or lugging a bucket and supplies up to clean from the outside
• Replacement windows do not distract from the look of the house
  When custom ordered to fit existing window jams. And in many cases actually beautify a house because old trim is cleaned up and ugly storm windows are eliminated
• Windows should be treated the same as heating and cooling systems and electrical and plumbing systems.
  Windows were and are an integral part of a home's ability to heat and cool itself. Preservation guidelines do not fault an owner for updating their heating and cooling systems, or electrical and plumbing, but it is considered to be bad practice to replace old windows. I know what preservationist’s say, "windows are beautiful." Well so are knobs and tubes, gas lines for lighting, and even some radiators and boilers are too. But no one is handing out
• It's true, new windows are more energy efficient
  But you sure aren't going to save the money that the salespeople say you will. (If you want to save on energy, insulate your attic first and replace your mechanicals; windows take have a much longer return on investment.)
• Being energy conscious is a good thing
  Conserving energy is important for old houses owners for many reasons, but most importantly it makes old homes more marketable and saves you money in the long run. Old houses owners need to appeal more to new home buyers.
• Never decrease the original opening of window
  And try to justify it in energy savings or savings on the cost of the windows. People who do this are called remudlers by Old House Journal and I have to agree. The cost of custom replacement windows is not much more than standard sizes. To decrease the size of your opening to accommodate a standard window is going to cost you more in materials and installation. And you are really going to ugly things up. Don't be a remudeler.

And my 2 cents on the choices in replacement windows
There are some many options out there in manufacturers and types and options within each. So research and talk to people whose windows you like. There are many great products out there and some can be from the same manufacturer with a different label on it.

I have learned that often it is can be cheaper to have this hired out rather than it is to do it yourself. I had a large window replaced - a custom size - with added options like grids and argon for less than $380 installed. If I ordered it and did it myself it would have cost me $360. So get some quotes. Also understand how the replacement window is going to look - you don't want to be a remudler.