For people who own historic, character, or period homes, deciding whether to replace or restore their original windows is a big deal. This article talks about why restoring old windows is typically a better long-term investment than replacing them completely in terms of historical accuracy, environmental impact, material quality, and total cost of ownership. It also helps readers think about the most important things, like how to analyse the state, how to increase performance, how to analyse costs, and how Perma Seal may help with careful repair work.
Introduction
When someone sees drafts, fogged glass, or peeling paint in an older home with character-windows, original wood sashes, historic features, and craftsmanship, it’s easy to want to “replace everything.” But before you grab the catalogue of new vinyl or aluminium windows, you should think about another option: fixing what you already have. In a lot of circumstances, it’s better to keep the old windows than to replace them completely.
Better unique materials and work
Most vintage windows were made from old-growth timber, which is heavy, sturdy, rot-resistant wood with a lot of character. This is especially true for windows made in the early to mid-20th century or earlier. Restoration experts say that modern replacement windows often employ fast-growing wood or composite materials that don’t last as long as old wood.
The joinery techniques, types of glass (often wavy glass), moulding profiles and installation procedures were also made to fit that structure. This is a level of detail that can’t be copied on a large scale.
You keep a valuable asset by keeping these original materials instead of throwing them away.
Authenticity of history and architectural style
The original windows of a house frequently give it its charm. They show the design styles of their time, like the proportions, muntin patterns, profiles, sill depths, hardware, and glazing bars. When you replace them with ordinary units, you typically lose those details. If you want “heritage style” replacements, you have to spend a lot more.
Maintaining the original windows in heritage homes or homes in conservation districts can also make it easier to follow local historic preservation rules.
Benefits for the environment and sustainability
Many people don’t know how much of an impact replacing windows has on the environment from start to finish. Restoration keeps energy in the materials that are already there, keeps a lot of waste out of landfills, and cuts down on the need to make new windows.
One research brief said that fixing old windows and putting in storm windows can make them work as well as new ones, which means you save materials and waste while still making them more efficient.
Better cost-effectiveness and lifecycle economics
It may seem easier to replace something, but the long-term costs don’t always make sense. Replacement windows only last 20 to 30 years, however restored original windows can live much longer if they are taken care of.
Also, the cost of restoring is typically far lower than the cost of replacing everything, especially if you do it in stages or only some parts.
So, restoration can provide owners of traditional properties more value.
Increase performance without replacing it
People who don’t want to keep their ancient windows say they “must be energy inefficient.” But restoration doesn’t mean things will stay the same. Methods like:
- Improving the weather-stripping and draught-proofing
- Adding or reglazing storm windows on the inside or outside
- Fixing sashes, replacing rotting pieces, and making sure the seals are still good can make old windows work as well as many new ones.
You may keep the old window and make it work better and be more comfortable at the same time.
Less disruption and value that stays the same
Restoration usually involves less invasive work than taking something out and putting it back in. That means there will be less mess inside the house, less alterations to the trim and finishes, and less chance of damaging the historic fabric. Restoration helps keep the original finishes, plaster walls, and unique trim on homes in older neighbourhoods.
And purchasers like homes with original windows that are in good shape; the history and authenticity might even make the property worth more.
When would it still be better to replace?
Of course, restoration isn’t always the right thing to do. The assessment needs to be real. Here are some situations in which replacement may be necessary:
The original window frames or sashes are so damaged that they can’t be fixed (huge rot, deformity, extensive decay).
The windows have seal failure in multi-pane units, several broken or fogged panes, hardware that doesn’t work, and the cost of repairs is almost the same as the cost of replacing them.
You want the original window to function at a very high level in modern terms (for example, triple-pane, very low U-value), but it can’t be updated to that level for a reasonable price.
The building isn’t old, and you don’t care about how it looks. You just need it to work well and be easy to take care of.
In some situations, a tailored replacement might be a good idea, but the decision should be based on the building’s state, the cost of restoration, its embodied value, and how long it will be used.
How to Check Your Old Windows to See if They Need Repair
Here’s a useful way to think about it before you decide:
Check the condition
Look at each window for:
- Sill, frame, or sash that is rotting or falling apart
- Missing parts or hardware, warping, or distortion
- The state of the glass (cracks, broken seals, fogging, leaded panes)
- Does the sash open, close, and lock smoothly?
- Sealing or weather-stripping gaps between the frame and the sash
- Problems with water getting in or condensing
If there is substantial structural damage, it may be necessary to replace it.
The Economics of Performance
Look at:
- Cost to fix (repair wood, reglaze, add new weather stripping, and maybe storm windows)
- Cost to replace (new window units, labour, and finishing)
- The potential for saving energy by restoring instead than replacing (study suggests that restoration plus storm windows can give similar performance)
- Longevity: If you take care of restored windows, would they last for decades? Yes, if you take care of it.
Value in History and Architecture
If your home is architecturally important, the original windows may be a key feature. Talk to local heritage guidelines to find out if replacement is allowed or if restoration is better.
Using the Building for a Long Time
If you plan to live in the house for a long time, restoration may be more valuable. If you plan to sell soon, think about how much buyers in that market value original windows.
Restoration can lead to improvements
Find chances:
- Put storm windows on the inside and outside.
- If possible, add low-e coatings or better glazing.
- Put back old hardware or upgrade it in a way that fits with it
- Make the window more draft-proof and insulated by closing gaps and fixing the sills.
These improvements can make things more comfortable and better while keeping the original frames.
Perma Seal: The restoration process and best practices
When you pick restoration, it’s important to choose the right procedure. Perma Seal Windows and Doors restores old windows for Alberta homes in the following way:
Step 1: Take off the sashes (or work on them while they’re still in place if you can).
Bring the sashes to the workshop so they can be fully inspected, fixed, resealed, and finished. If you have to work on-site, make sure the inside of the house is safe and try to do it during the dry season.
Step 2: Fix the wood frames and sashes
- Cut out the rotten parts and replace them with wood from the same species (old-growth replacement, if possible).
- Re-glue joints, clean up old paint or putty, restore damaged glazing, and reglaze where needed.
- Replace or fix broken hardware such locks, pulleys, weights, sash ropes, and springs.
- Sand and prime, then paint with a breathable coating that will keep the finish looking good in cold Alberta weather.
Step 3: Improve the weatherproofing and sealing
- Put new weather stripping (brush seals, pile seals) on the meeting rails and sashes.
- If you can, install high-performance reglaze or dual/insulated panes.
- Adding storm windows to the inside or outside of your home can help with sound and heat.
Step 4: Put it back together and finish
- Re-balance the sashes to make sure they work smoothly.
- Check the fit and make any necessary adjustments for thermal expansion and contraction (which is critical in Alberta’s wide variety of winter and summer temperatures).
- Use caulking that works with the frame’s edges (outside) and adjust the flashing if necessary.
Step 5: Plan for long-term care
- Every year, check the seals and glass.
- Paint again every 10 to 15 years or as needed.
- Check the sills for water buildup and make sure the drainage weep holes are clear.
- Many restored windows can endure another 50 to 100 years if they are taken care of properly. This is not the case with many modern replacement windows, which may fail sooner.
Perma Seal Windows and Doors for Restoration
Perma Seal specialises in history and character homes. They know how to match traditional features, timber types, glazing processes, and finishing.
Cold-weather knowledge: Alberta winters bring problems including extreme cold, freeze-thaw cycles, and seal durability. Perma Seal chooses materials and coatings that work well in this kind of weather.
Balanced performance improvements: Instead of merely “selling you new vinyl windows,” Perma Seal gives you restoration alternatives that keep the windows looking real while making them more comfortable and functional.
Full-service: From evaluation to workshop repairs to on-site reinstallation and finishing, you can stay in your home with as little inconvenience as possible.
Focus on sustainability: For homeowners who want to make choices that are good for the environment, restoring old windows preserves materials in use, cuts down on waste, and acknowledges the building’s history.
Closing Thoughts
You might think that replacing old windows is the greatest option, but the evidence shows otherwise, especially for homes with vintage windows that have quality, character, and architectural value. Restoration has many benefits, such as better material quality, protecting cultural heritage, being better for the environment, better economics, and the chance of big performance improvements.
If your Alberta home has old windows that are starting to show their age, don’t take them out and put in new ones right away. Instead, bring in a professional to see if they can be fixed. It might be the better, more environmentally friendly, and more gorgeous decision.
For that evaluation and skilful restoration, you can count on Perma Seal Windows and Doors.
0 Comments