Window Restoration: Ten Good Reasons to Restore your Old Windows

1. Because the window fit your house. Quirky as they may be, the older windows fit your house. Care was taken to match the weight and style of windows to the building, the trim, etc. They have expanded and contracted with the seasons. With proper weather stripping they can be made to fit even better. Replacement windows have a rigid structure that fits within your window openings. Old houses move and shift over time and frequently we find that gaps open up around the replacement window and the window openings resulting in more drafts than the original windows.
2. Because you appreciate good craftsmanship. The true mortise and tenion construction of antique windows is incredibly strong, and when it begins to weaken is easily repaired. Many unique window shapes were created because the craftsmanship with wood joinery. Antique windows were built to last and they can easily be restored with the Silent Paint Remover to remove old glazing and old paint. Use Linseed paint and Linseed glazing for a very long lasting paint job.
3. Because you value good materials. Antique wood windows were constructed out of first growth lumber. The wood is much denser and more weather resistant than today's tree farmed softwoods. Delicate profiles are possible because of the density of wood. The reason these windows are still around, even in terrible condition, is that the wood is of very high quality. Minus all the ugly paint, your wood windows are usually quite beautiful, graceful and strong.
4. Because you love the charm of antique glass. Even the glass in antique windows will tell a story. It may be roundel or cylinder glass each indicate a certain era of manufacturing. Old glass has varieties of colors and texture that are a delight to the eye. Two layers of glass are better than one - and in an antique home that second layer of glass should be in the storm window to protect the beauty of the original windows.
5. Because you think a warranty should be more than 20 years. Chances are your windows have done their job for fifty years or more already. Sure, they may be a little creaky and maybe not as attractive as they once were, but it's far better investment to repair a proven performer than sink money into a new window that only has 20 years warranty. With proper maintenance, your antique windows should last another 100 years. Using cleaned boiled linseed oil and linseed oil glazing under the linseed oil paint will ensure that your old windows will last for generations to come.
6. Because you want to avoid vinyl. Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is becoming one of the greatest concerns in the building industry. Not only does the production of it create an environmental nightmare, but the gases it emits over time are becoming a concern, and if, heaven forbid, your house catches on fire, any PVC will release toxic amounts of dioxin. If you are concerned about the environment it's worth reading up on efforts to reduce the use of vinyl.
7. Because you want more light. Replacement windows are set inside the window opening, and the sashes are smaller than the originals. You get less viewing area and less light. Who wants less light?
8. Because windows should open and close easily. Weights and pulleys are one of the best balance system ever invented. There is a prevalent myth that a lot of cold air comes in through the weight pocket. If there is cold air in the weight pocket it's generally because there is a gap between the outside trim of the house and the siding. It may also indicate a poor seal at the floor joists. Replacing easily serviceable weights and pulleys with vinyl jamb liners, or invisible balance systems means installing a system that has a maximum life span of 10-20 years but generally fails in far less time. You can't believe how joyful it is to open and close windows easily with one hand when everything is restored to the way it was designed to work.
9. Because you really can save 30-40% on heating costs. According to Field Study of Energy Impacts of Window Rehab Choices conducted by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, the University of Vermont School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory estimated first year energy savings between a restored wooden window with a good storm window vs. a replacement window was $0.60. Yup, less then a buck. In their conclusions section they noted "The decision to renovate or replace a window should not be based solely on energy considerations, as the difference in estimated first year savings between the upgrade options are smaller." Broken glass, failed glazing, no weather stripping - these small and repairable items are what really affects energy efficiency in windows.
10. Because you want a house with integrity. In most houses, wood windows play a major role in defining the property's "look" and creating an appealing architectural design. Drive around and look at houses with replacement windows. They never look quite right with their shiny white plastic windows. Antique windows, when restored, look crisp and sharp when they were new, and when weather stripped and fitted with a high quality storm window can be more energy efficient than any product on the market. Restore your old windows if you want to maintain the fine craftsmanship and care that went into building your old house.

You will find more information about how to go about window restoration or whole house restoration on these websites:

• www.solventfreepaint.com Linseed oil paint just like it was done 100 years ago with out modern paint problems.
• www.paintbrushesandrollers.com Great variety of Swedish paint brushes and rollers.

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