Replacing Historic Windows

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Consider Restoring Rather Than Replacing Your Historic Windows If you live in an older home with drafty windows, you may be thinking of having them replaced. Old windows on historic homes are often made of such high quality that they can be restored instead. This allows you to keep the original windows intact and it saves money on having them replaced. Here are some things you may want a contractor to do. Replace Rotted Wood Around The Frame If the wood around a window has decay from insects or rot, then your contractor can probably replace the wood rather than replace the entire window. This may involve removing the damaged wood by digging it out and then filling the space with epoxy. The epoxy can then be sanded smooth and painted. If …show more content…

Putting in new energy-efficient glass is one possibility, or you could have storm windows put on that cover the old windows. Something as simple as weatherstripping or caulk might help as well. Applying window tint is another option to consider as this can reduce heat transfer and reflect UV rays. Repair Screens And Glass Chipped or cracked glass should be repaired to keep the damage from spreading. It might be possible to fix the problem with a clear acrylic filler if the damage is small. Large cracks may be too big to repair and the glass could need to be replaced. Old windows may have damaged screens as well. Rips can't really be repaired without the repairs being obvious, so replacing the screen is probably the best option unless the holes are tiny. Tiny holes can be patched so they are nearly invisible, especially if they are close to the side of the window. Release Stuck Windows If some of your windows are painted shut and won't open, you'll want the contractor to fix the problem so the windows aren't a danger in case of a fire. This may entail using a blade to cut through the paint so the window can be pried loose. Other problems that can cause a window to stick are when the window is out of alignment or when the wood is swollen. Your contractor may need to remove the frame and sand down the wood so it will glide smoothly

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