Window & Door Restoration vs. Replacement

Website: Yarrow Sash & Door

A common decision faced by property owners of high value period homes or buildings listed on local Heritage registries (or those buildings that are simply excellent examples of period architecture) is whether to restore or replace their windows and doors.   The question is made doubly difficult because fenestration is vital on a multitude of levels, both functional (egress, ventilation, day-lighting, etc.) and aesthetic (architectural, view, etc.).   Resale value, ROI, owner preference and local code requirements further complicate the decision-making process.

Start with the basics

Stakeholders need to connect with local window and door professionals to determine which essential elements are in play.   Are fenestration selections governed by local preservation boards or ordinance? What building code restrictions must be met (tempered glass for doors, size restrictions on bedroom windows, etc.)? Local fenestration experts can offer fast track information on elements that fundamentally shape the options available to the owner/manager.   Likewise, architects and engineers can offer sound advice on constraints that govern the site.   Designers and preservation societies add further expertise on the design side of the issue.

In general, consultation with a number of these specialized experts is advisable before a specification is created or an RFP issued.   The ability to know what is required must be integrated with a keen understanding of what is reasonably available.

Environmental considerations

Restoration serves as the direct line to "Reduce" - an environmental fundamental.   The value of the wood fiber used to produce existing windows is locked in place and has added value for years.   With care and skill, this value can be sustained.   Beyond a pure mathematical calculation of carbon credits, there is also a need to evaluate the cultural savings that conservation delivers.   The architectural history of a neighborhood, city or region is expressed in the built world and articulated eloquently in wood windows and doors.

Wood's sustainability together with the ability to specify and obtain formally certified window and door products is another important element.   Investigate Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for more information.

Finally, wood is a good natural insulator and even very old windows and doors can be surprisingly energy efficient, if properly fitted.

Thermal performance

Single pane windows/doors with exterior storm sash/doors are common to period homes and public buildings in heating climates.   Many design professionals are quick to assume that a significant reduction in heating costs can offset the high cost of removing existing windows and doors and replacing them with modern insulating glass sealed units.   In fact, this corollary may not always be the case.   Aside from the sometimes critical issue of appearance incongruence and the invasive nature of window replacement, there are situations where upgrades and modernization of the existing systems may actually be close in net energy efficiency.   Properly restored and fitted and with the addition of weatherstrip, existing single pane windows/storms can be retrofitted to achieve excellent thermal performance.   Indeed, a comprehensive life cycle analysis might prove that intelligent upgrades and restoration could provide a significantly less costly overall alternative to new windows, in many cases.

In some situations a compromise can be struck - installing modern sealed glass lites (low E, Argon gas filled) into period fenestration to increase insulative value without obviously changing the appearance of the property.

Invasiveness - a graduated scale

Windows (in particular) and doors may be wholly restored in situ or removed and factory restored.   This is just part of the wide range of restore/replace options available to many building owners.   Some windows and doors can have the imbedded portions (frames) left in the wall while the operable components (door panels and operable/fixed sash) can be removed and restored or replaced with replicas.   In some cases a "box unit" can be inserted into the frame and trimmed out to offer a new unit within the existing frame.   "Dutchman" rot repairs to structural frame members can be done on site to enable a frame to continue its useful life.

Vernacular and modern materials

A sizable and sophisticated body of products and processes has grown to support the restoration of period windows and doors.   A diverse industry supports accurate restoration: replica "wavy" glass, lead-free period paints, distressed wood finishes that faithfully replicate existing weathered surfaces, exact reproductions of hardware complete with authentic finishes found during the period in question.   Most architectural vernacular are represented by a thriving economy of artisan specialists available to both local and continent-wide markets.

Windows and doors offer an exceptional opportunity to retain period character, conserve architectural heritage, improve form and function and benefit all stakeholders in the community in which the period property is located.

©2006 Mitch Toews - Yarrow Sash & Door

Note: This article was submitted by a second party and the contents are subject to our disclaimer.