Repair_VS_Replacementhttps://www.greatplainswindows.com/window-replacement/historic-renovation-window-restoration-problem/
HISTORIC WINDOW REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROCESSES
There is a lot of information aggregating on the internet about Historic Window Preservation. The standard response window replacement requests from many preservation or historic commissions
has been against replacement. With the flooding of the window replacement market with vinyl windows in the 80’s, came a tendency towards quick fixes and band-aid remodeling that completely
ignored architecturally significant styling. The invention of the replacement window required a lot of innovation to adapt the new product availability with the direct replacement needs.
Originally, replacement windows were actually converted builder grade windows. It wasn’t until the 90’s when companies like Andersen Windows “Renewal by Andersen” and Marvin Windows
“Integrity” and “Infinity” introduced replacement specific options with architectural integrity.
For homes more than a century old, the original windows were assembled on site and were essentially devoid of any weatherstripping. Wood frames, wood sashes, and an anchor-line pulley
system to allow operation. As fenestration manufacturing improved, windows were equipped with storm windows to add protection from wind and rain while providing increased thermal performance.
When repairing windows in older homes, the process involves removing the old sashes and storm. In many cases the storm is simply replaced due to poor condition. The sashes are stripped
of paint (often lead-based paint) and reconditioned with repairs to rotten or weak wood. Damaged glass is replaced. Weatherstripping is added. Window components including sash weight
lines and locks and lifts. Then a new storm window is added to the exterior to enhance thermal performance.
When replacing a window from this era, the old window sashes, storms, and a window stop is removed. A custom-made, complete window unit is placed in the opening. The unit is insulated
and then stops are replaced to complete the installation.
In both cases, the window trim is left in place. Many historic documents suggest that a preserved window with a storm window has nearly equal thermal performance qualities to a replacement
window unit. It is interesting that many of these publications take no exception to the placement of an aluminum storm window disguising a costly window restoration project. Here a table
explaining some of the features and drawbacks of different historic repair/replacement options.
Repair
Vinyl
Replacement
Architectural
Replacement
Storm Window
Yes
No
No
Full Screen
Maybe
Maybe
Yes
Weatherstripping
Sometimes
Yes
Yes
Tilt-In
No
Yes
Yes
Insulated Glass
No
Yes
Yes
Real Wood
Yes
No
Yes
Warranty
No
Yes
Yes
WINDOW REPLACEMENT VS RESTORATION COSTS
The major points driving window “repair” or “restoration” as the prevailing recommendation to address many historic window projects are based on 2 misunderstandings.
That it’s easy to find someone to restore your windows
That it’s less expensive to repair than replace
Because we’ve tried to assuage requests to take a repair approach for many projects, we know how hard it is to find someone to do the repairs necessary to restore a historic property.
We also know a lot about the cost. We always hear that replacing windows is really expensive. But what we’ve actually seen is that repairing an historic window and adding a storm window
can range from 70-130% the cost of replacing a window. That’s right – it could actually cost you more to repair a window than replace one.
EXAMPLE 1
Here’s a link to a detailed blog post that walks through the repair process. Interestingly, the restorer explains that the project was a true bargain at only $400 in supplies. He fails
to mention the 99 steps and “well over 200 hours of work” to completion. This is for 11 windows and didn’t include any energy efficiency improvements or storm windows.
200 hours / 11 windows = 18 hours per window
18 hours per window x $75/hour = $1,350 in labor per window
EXAMPLE 2
Another example of the hidden expense of restoration is here. This project restored a total of 21 windows at a cost of more than $51,000.