Fix Your Old Home’s Windows without Compromising on Aesthetic
Data states that 14% of America’s housing units are made up of homes over 70 years old. That amounts to 18 million out of the 79.36 million homes nationwide. If you own one of these old houses, you will agree that however charming the high ceilings and Dutch doors may be, an old, worn-out window is never a look.
In fact, damaged windows do more than mar the appearance of your house. They also let in drafts and contribute to higher energy bills. But then again, replacing old custom windows may not always be the best way forward. A lot of people have sentimental values attached to their homes.
Here are 4 ways for you to go about tackling your window crisis.
#1 Repair Your Windows
Many of the windows in old American homes are made of high-grade wood. So, if you figure that the frames can hold up well with minor to moderate repair, you should consider fixing them. This ensures that you get to preserve the old-school architecture of the frames, without tampering with the history of your abode. However, do pay attention to window maintenance lest they succumb to disrepair and neglect again.
#2 Retrofit New Glass
Retrofitting a window is essentially the process of fitting new glass panes into the existing window frame. Keep in mind that retrofitting your window only works if the frames are in good shape. As long the frame supports the newly installed glass, there is no need to touch the trim or the wood. What’s best about retrofitting your window is that not only does it prevent your house from undergoing unnecessary modernization but also saves you tons of money.
#3 Upgrade to Storm Windows
This one’s a bit of a misnomer. Upgrading to storm windows does not actually mean protection against storms but rather a second window installed on top of the old one. These add-on windows are best suited to reseal drafts. Some storm windows also have a low-E reflective coating. This coating keeps the outside heat from entering the room during summers and prevents the heat from seeping out during winters.
There’s more, a storm window also allows you more control over the air and light let in. If you live in a noisy urban cityscape, you will also benefit from lesser noise.
Finally, since there is not a lot of construction involved, there are fewer expenses to think of.
#4 Replace with Custom Windows
The above options all sound wonderful, except, what happens when the windows in your old home are too big or too small compared to today’s standard sizing? You won’t believe how inconveniently common this problem is when it comes to restoring vintage windows. Smaller panes mean you end up with gaps here and there that defeat the whole purpose of getting a new window. Bigger windows on the other hand might need you to knock out a portion of the wall to accommodate the greater size.
Apart from these obvious issues, you will most likely also face trouble finding a pre-made window that complements the existing color and style.
The answer to all these worries is getting a custom window replacement. Custom-made windows are measured to fit right into the old frame. The custom design also makes sure that they don’t take away from the vintage charm of the architecture.
How Can Grandview Windows & Doors Help?
Grandview Windows & Doors has an impressive product line of quality, energy-saving, custom windows that can make a whole world of difference to your home’s aesthetic. And that’s notwithstanding the fact that you will be saving a lot of extra bucks. Want to work with us? Reach out to us at (405) 787-0230. We also offer free estimates to our customers!