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| Getting window ready for installation |
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| Good Fit! |
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| Main windows in front to house |
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| View from inside the living room |
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| Windows of the front porch |
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| Window trim matched to old trim dimensions |
Friday, July 20, 2012
Window Installation
The first of the new windows were installed today. It was great to see the old house withe a new set of windows. Restoration purists could take issue that we did not put in wooded windows that matched the era of when the house was built in 1912. Windows that were typically used in the early 1900's were double hung, single pane glass with probably having a 2 over 2 or 4 over 4 lite configuration. Typical of window construction of the era had open cavities covered by casing where iron or metal would hang. The cavities where the weights hung are typically sources of drafts in these older homes.
We decided to balance this piece of the restoration on cost considerations, ascetics, and energy efficiency. The windows we chose were custom made to fit the original window openings and are double pane and well sealed. This option will significantly cut down drafts and still retains some of the profile found in older historical widows.
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I think it was just right that you didn’t use wooden windows that “matched the era” of the house. As you’ve said, considering energy efficiency and practicality is more important than this. How are the new windows now? Hope they did shut out the draft and helped reduce utility costs.
ReplyDeleteKatie Nicoll
Hi Katie
DeleteThe new windows are working just great. Because we live in a historical district I had get approval from the city's Office of Historical Preservation to install these windows. The windows are wood windows with a vinyl clad on the exterior. The interior of the windows do not have a vinyl covering so they have a natural look which can be painted. Most importantly the windows are double paned and well sealed which is a huge consideration in regards to energy efficiency in these old houses. Since the new windows did not require the iron mullens we sealed off the cavities around the windows where the mullens would hang thus sealing off drafts substantially. By going this route we avoided the extra expense of insulating the exterior walls around the house. We've discovered in our restoration adventures that insulating the walls is almost ineffective if you have drafty windows! We finished the project in Oct of 2012 and have since leased the house to a young professional couple. They tell me that the windows are working just fine and their utility costs so far this winter have been reasonable. Thx for your comments and questions! I need to post some more entries. We still own the house and are in the process of doing some restorative work on the metal roof. We haven't decided whether to keep the house as a rental or put on the market in the spring. Stay tuned!