Historic homes often come with old, drafty windows comprised of a single pane of glass - windows that do little to keep out the heat and cold. Yet some homeowners think that replacing old windows with modern ones can mar both the historic look and feel of the home and the home's value. Here's what you need to know when it comes to the best window replacement options for old homes.

Should You Restore or Replace Old Windows?

If you truly love your old windows, you may prefer to look into restoring old windows instead of replacing them. A historic window specialist can fix window panes, free stuck upper sashes, and weatherstrip old windows. Combined with interior or exterior storm windows, restored old windows will block many drafts. However, not all old windows can be restored. If the wood around the windows has begun to rot, for example, the damage is already done. In this case, replacing the old windows with a modern window that looks historic may be the best bet. If you aren't sure what to do, reach out to a window contractor with experience working in historic homes. There are many beautiful replacement windows for old homes but not all contractors understand how to maintain historic homes, so it is vital that you find the right window company for the job.

Replacement Windows for Historic Homes

Replacement windows will always be more energy efficient than old windows due to the construction: modern windows feature a triple pane of glass with many energy-saving features. You'll earn back a large share of what you spend on replacing windows when you sell your home if you choose the right type of window.

Maintaining the Historic Character of Your Home

For a historic home, which has old wood windows, you will get the highest resale value by replacing those old wood windows with newer wood windows that combine energy efficient features with historic details. Old windows have what's known as divided light - a grid across the window - so it's important to retain this aspect of the window when choosing replacement windows for old homes. You may also want to select replacement windows that match the color of your existing windows. The size of the original windows should be maintained when replacing windows. This is not a situation where you'd want to knock out an external wall to enlarge old windows into a picture window, for instance. When in doubt, let your home's historic character guide your choices or reach out to a local historic preservation committee for insight on replacing windows that honor your old home's best qualities.

Historic Window Replacement Cost

Since wood windows are more expensive than vinyl windows due to the material, the historic window replacement cost will be higher than the cost of replacing windows in a pre-existing home without historical character. However, this is really not an area where you can scrimp and expect to maintain your property's value. Many budget-conscious homeowners have tried replacing old windows with economy modern windows only to find these windows detracted from their home's appeal on the real estate market. Once you've decided to replace your old windows, start searching for replacement windows that will complement the style of your home.

Replacement Windows from Window Nation

At Window Nation, we offer a range of vinyl and wood replacement windows, including many styles that are suited for use in historic houses. Browse our options for older homes and let our replacement window experts help you make the right choice today. You can also schedule a free in-home estimate and get all the information you need from the comfort of your own home.