Replacement Windows and Doors in Older or Historic Homes

 Windows and doors are often the first things to get replaced in older homes.   Over the years the house has settled, so windows and doors often have shifted to the point that they only open with great effort, if at all.  With the repeated freezing and thawing of the ground here in Minnesota, unfortunately this settling does continue, so it’s important to take preventative measures when installing new windows and doors to reduce or eliminate future problems.  Here are some suggestions:

• Steel door frames can help to prevent problems with distortion from settling as well wood deterioration.  Steel door frames will also hold up much better, too. It is not uncommon to see a steel door straight and tall, while the older house is slipping down own around it.
• Leaving a 2” space around the window frames allows room for movement without compromising window operation.  There is normally a small gap between the window opening and the actual window frame. This is filled with insulation, and covered with trim both inside and out, so there is little chance of and kind of thermal breach. However, by leaving a slightly larger gap here, it will leave room for the window to shift along with the house as it settles over the years.
• The same is true with doors. This gap will allow for that certain flex in high traffic areas that often develops.

One thing to keep in mind if you have a home in an historic district, there are probably rules and regulations you must adhere to when doing any kind of renovation to your home.  Check with your historic district’s controlling agency to find out what is specified for door and window replacements before you begin.

If you have questions about what kind of doors or windows might be appropriate for your home, contact Window Outfitters at  952-746-6661.  We specialize in older and historic homes. 

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.