How-To
Should Your Old Wood Windows Be Saved?
We weigh the options with cost, complexity, efficiency, and preservation in mind.
For many homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of a house, one of the first things considered is the windows. Old windows can have lots of drawbacks: broken glass, poorly operating sashes, wood damage, worn jambs. The big question then becomes whether to replace or to repair the old windows. Although replacements could be the right answer, don’t discount the idea of repair, according to FHB associate editor Rob Yagid. Replacement windows can have an extremely prolonged payback period. Old wood windows, however, were built to be repairable. An illustrated problem-and-solution guide will help you to determine your best option.
14 years ago we moved into our 1910 fieldstone carriage house with what looks like Douglas Fir double hung windows, with substantial, beautifully-profiled muntins. Somewhere I found a government study created to compare the cost/benefits of restoring or replacing the windows on old state government buildings that often had 75 to 200 windows. Their conclusion was that because of the payback period with new windows and the lack of ssignificant performance gain, new windows weren't worth it and restoring the existing windows and adding weatherstripping (if they didn't require a lot of repair of the wood frame) was—by far. So, I had them all chemically stripped of the existing paint (the old-growth wood survived this process well) and then I fine sanded and stained them repeatedly until I acheived the deep reddish brown color I was after. Five coats of polyurethane (with some linseed oil mixed in) and rubbing them with 0000 steel wool and they are still gorgeous! Because they probably shrank over time and the sanding, they fit more loosely in the jambs, but the weatherstripping solved that and these windows perform very well with minimal air intrusion. And because of the single pane wiggly glass, I can still hear the birds with the windows closed!
It's heartening to see the editor of a magazine geared to DIYers and professionals address this issue.He's dispelling myths spread by window replacement companies about the energy efficiency and durability of their "disposable" windows which have to be replaced AGAIN in 10-20 years. Folks are intimidated by restoration of old windows. But I've seen their "labors of love" be the things are they are most proud in their old home restoration. Thanks, Rob, for taking on the billion dollar companies with the truth.