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Window Solutions for Those Historic Buildings – Part 1

With so many historic homes and other buildings around Minnesota, it is important to know what can be done with them to really boost their appeal, function, and energy efficiency.  When you own an historic structure, often there are challenges that come along with remodeling or improving it. If you’re in an historic district, there are rules and regulations that must be adhered to.  Only certain types of changes and materials are permitted.  But even if you’re not in an area that has restrictions like that, you probably want to retain as much of the original architectural style and charm as possible.

One of the most common things historic home owners want to change is the windows.  Those old windows are single-pane, have probably shrunken within their openings, and let in plenty of drafts. That makes heating and cooling that house very expensive, and energy-efficient replacement windows seem to be the best answer.  But is it always?

Maybe…or maybe not.  We have no easy answer, because each home and owner are different, and what we would suggest for one home might be different for the next.

You do have a number of options.  It is important that certain considerations are taken into account when adding, removing or even refinishing older windows. These solutions will not only preserve the life of the windows but also help the building stand for a little bit longer.

Should You Do Repair or Replacement for Old Windows in an Historic Home or Building?

This is a common yet important question we get. Not only do you want to keep the building intact, but you want to preserve that historic quality and charm that it has. If you replace the windows, they will be new energy-efficient windows that might help the building stay in good condition for a longer period of time. Repairing the windows is might be feasible, but that option depends on the quality and condition that the windows are currently in.

You will need to consider whether your area has restrictions on what changes can be made with existing windows. Are you permitted to replace them or simply repair/restore them? Some homes and other buildings that have a historic standing may not permit anything but minor changes in the interior or exterior.  Often the case is that whenever possible, existing windows must be preserved.  Energy efficiency can be improved with approved storm windows, such as the ones we install from Mon-Ray.  These have been approved for historic buildings around the country, and they can be mounted either on the exterior or the interior.

Of course, if the windows are damaged beyond repair, then a replacement of the windows is a must. This not only will help the building last longer, but it will provide the necessary comfort that is needed inside the structure.

The good news with this all is that if the windows do have to be replaced, you don’t have to worry about finding more modern windows to fit inside the older building. Many of the windows we offer are manufactured specifically to replicate those beautiful older windows.  You can get them in genuine wood with maintenance-free exterior, or you might be able to fit your home with more up-to-date vinyl or fiberglass windows that retain the look of real wood.

If you have a historic home or commercial building in Minnesota that needs to be revamped with new windows, give us a call here at Window Outfitters. We are experienced in helping with historic projects around the area and would love to provide you with some more insight on what windows you should consider for yours.  Our specialty is replacement windows for historic homes, and we can work with your historic district on your behalf to make sure you stay in compliance.  

 

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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