An omni-curious communications professional, Dena Kane has more than 17 years of experience writing and editing content for online publications, corporate communications, business clients, industry journals, as well as film and broadcast media. Kane studied political science at the University of California, San Diego.
Overview
If you're fortunate enough to own a historic home, then you are well acquainted with the importance of maintaining the appropriate decorative aesthetic. Historically appropriate windows that are newly crafted can be a significant investment and a research adventure to find the proper craftspeople to build and install them. Here's some help to guide your way.
Types of Historic Windows
There are an infinite variety of window styles. One major categorical definition would be fixed-pane versus operational windows. Another major defining point would be operational window function--either casement, double hung or French door. Then there is single versus divided pane. There are many more permutations, such as framing material--usually either wood or metal; and glass style--flat, curved, wavy, leaded or stained. The combinations available to meet your needs are endless.
Custom Design Windows
If your home is an officially designated historic home by state, local or federal government, then you have the added requirement of complying with the regulations that accompany those designations. Often this means that there can be no alteration to the exterior appearance of your home. In this case, you will often need to turn to custom and occasionally even handmade windows to faithfully reproduce the original. There are numerous resources online and even craftsmen with subspecialties, such as for iron-frame windows or complex woodframe windows like fanlights and spider-web windows.
Classic Style with Modern Efficiencies
Today, even historically correct windows can be constructed with materials that allow you to reap the benefits of new technologies and efficiencies that cut heating and cooling costs, protect your furniture and carpets from ultraviolet rays, and reduce condensation buildup.
Costs
New historically accurate windows for your historic home is a substantial investment. Be prepared to pay several hundred dollars per window on the low end to tens of thousands of dollars per window on the high end.
Where to Buy
The Internet is a tremendously rich resource for researching, finding design inspiration, gathering cost quotes and buying replacement windows for your historic home. While you can work with a contractor or construction manager to find, purchase and install your new windows, do some research ahead of time so that you have a real grasp of your many options.
