"Removing old windows is like stripping patina from antique wood." The special quality of time and age it imparts to a house is gone and can’t be replaced with anything store bought. "All you have to do is walk down the street in a historic neighborhood to see the difference between a house with replacement windows and one with its originals. The new windows meet you with a blank stare. The old ones are like wise old eyes. Their glass shimmers at twilight and the wood is delicately carved. Generations have raised, lowered and looked out these windows. Why would you throw out something that valuable when you can never get it back?"
With the popularity of programs like the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits there has been a resurgence in the importance of preserving original windows and doors. This has also helped to educate the general public about the importance of maintaining original architectural features.
Window restoration is a key component for people who want a historically accurate renovation. It also impacts the environment in such a positive way. If we learn to recycle these components rather than replace them with inferior manufactured goods, we can help reduce waste as well as prevent the unnecessary energy used in the manufacturing of new goods.
This is such a wonderful blog. Thank you for creating it. I look forward to following it. Cheers to historical preservation!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 10/26/2009 at 12:33 PM
Great to meet a fellow lover of historic preservation and thanks for the compliment! I look forward to your comments! :-)
Posted by: Kimberly Riley, ASID | 11/02/2009 at 12:45 PM
Restoration has been important for many of the buildings. As some of the buildings which are centuries old, and are not in very good condition. Most of the historical building are not in good condition. I was searching about Restoration Engineering and got some good blogs and websites as check http://www.o-n.com/ it will help you for sure.
Posted by: O-N Engineering | 06/17/2010 at 06:00 AM
Thank you so much for the tip! I'll be sure to check it out! :-)
Posted by: Kimberly Riley, ASID | 07/10/2010 at 01:45 PM
Hey,
Thanks! Great post you have written on "Historic Window Restoration". Really I can say that your post is very informative, I'll come across your blog again when you will update it with new.
Thanks,
Robert
http://www.o-n.com.com/
Posted by: Robert | 03/22/2011 at 04:17 AM
Old windows look bad but their designs and styles are one of a kind. They look like an art.
Posted by: Double Glazing Coventry | 03/26/2011 at 05:05 AM
Vintage items can never be replaced! Add one more member to the vintage lovers right here! If you really want to replace your windows, then it would be best to do a major remodeling of your house. You're gonna have to say goodbye to the vintage designs, though. Oh, wait. Sudden thought train incoming. What if you replace it with one that has a similar design? What's your take on that?
Posted by: Sandra Ludwig | 05/20/2011 at 08:07 AM