Replacing the windows in a historic home is not as simple as a normal upgrade. There are a lot of factors that can go into selecting the perfect window, and when you need windows for historic homes, they need to match the style and look of the original property. Make sure you're prepared for replacing your historic windows so that you can choose the best one for your needs.
Understanding Historic Windows
If your property is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, any changes you make to the building's exterior, including the windows, will need to meet the standards listed in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Even if your home isn't on the register, you may want to review those standards if you live in a historic property or a historic district. Take a close look at what entity oversees historic properties in your local area to ensure that you are meeting those vital standards.
In most cases, if you can repair historic windows, rather than replacing them, you should. However, there are several cases in which you may need to replace, rather than repair, windows for historic homes. Those include:
- Inability to keep up with frequent maintenance needs
- Energy inefficiency/inability to keep the home heated or cooled appropriately
- Lack of access to artisans who can handle restorative work
Replacement windows for historic homes should match the old ones as closely as possible, if you are planning to maintain the appearance of your home. However, you may have the ability to make some modifications for energy efficiency.
Identifying Architectural Styles
Identifying the architectural style of your historic property is a key part of ensuring that you have selected the right windows for your needs. Consider:
- The time period in which the home was built
- Design features and ornamentation
- Construction techniques
Your region can have a significant impact on the appearance of your home. For example, in Massachusetts, Greek Revival and Colonial architectural styles are common.
Often, a look at your windows can provide more information about the architectural style of your home. Double-hung windows are common in Colonial-style properties, while arched windows are often used in Romanesque architectural styles. Bay windows, which extend out from the property, are often used in Victorian homes.
Key Features of Historic Windows
Historic windows can have a wide range of features depending on the time when they were constructed. However, there are some features to look out for.
- Wood: Historic windows are often made of durable wood species, including oak or pine
- Glass: Some windows may have old, wavy glass; panes are often smaller, since historic glassmakers did not have the means to construct large sheets
- Hardware: The hardware on your historic windows will often reflect the design trends of the period
- Design: The design features of historic windows may depend on the specific time period
- Muntins: The strips of wood or metal that divide panes of glass, known as muntins, often have designs specific to the time period
Working with a specialist in historic windows can help you determine what features were used on your windows and which ones you may need to retain as you restore your home or replace your windows.
Get Help with Historic Window Replacement Today
Are you planning to replace the windows in your historic home? If you want a solution that will allow you to maintain the integrity of the historic property and keep your home looking its best, Beaulieu Home Improvement is here to help. Contact us to learn more about historic window replacement options and how we can maintain the integrity of your property.
