Expert Tips for Replacing Historic Windows

Replace or Repair Your Historic Windows?

Before starting your project, determine whether you need to replace or repair your historic windows. Looking for the signs it's time to replace your windows can help you with this process.

Generally speaking, window repair is worthwhile under these conditions:

• Not many repairs are needed. If you've got one or two windows that need to be fixed, but most of your windows don't need repair at all, replacement may not be the right option for you.
• You would like time to save to replace your windows. Window replacement is an investment. If you don't have time to replace your windows at this time, repairing windows can give you time to save.

Below are some reasons to replace your historic windows:

• Your windows are drafty. Drafty windows make your home or commercial building inefficient. Drafts can make temperature regulation difficult, may contribute to an uncomfortable environment, and can put pressure on your HVAC system. If you have drafty windows, historic window replacement can make all the difference.
• Your windows leak frequently. Older windows can leak when they start to deteriorate. Leaky windows contribute to mold and mildew in your home and can cause structural damage. If your windows regularly develop leaks, consider a replacement.
• Your windows are difficult to open or don't want to stay open. As windows and buildings age, settling building materials can make opening and closing windows challenging. Your windows need a fresh start.
• You'd like to improve the value of your home or building. Old, leaky windows can detract from the overall value of your home or commercial building. Installing new windows can boost your property value while improving the quality of life in your building overall.

Why Replacing Historic Windows Requires Special Expertise

You've heard the phrase "They just don't make them like they used to." Historic buildings are often built to conform to different standards and materials.



Replacing historic windows in these buildings requires a contractor who knows how to work with these old materials and can help you maintain the historic value of your property. In addition, buildings and homes in historic districts are typically subject to approval from historic district review boards. Working with these boards is easier when you have experience with historic renovations and understand what to expect.

The Challenges of Historic Window Replacement You May Not Expect

Historic window replacement can be more complicated than modern window replacement. Below are some of the challenges that you may encounter when you're trying to replace windows in your building or home.



• Bringing structures up to code. Your home or building may conform to older building codes that no longer apply. During renovations, new building codes apply and changes may be more extensive than originally thought. The only way to find out if your building will be subject to these changes during renovations is to
• Working with historic district review boards. Historic homes and buildings are subject to review board approval. While every historic district review board handles approvals differently, many require that changes that can be seen from the street must be historically accurate.
• Finding historically accurate building materials. During any renovation, your contractor may need to obtain historically accurate building materials to maintain the character and appearance of your building or home. Finding historically accurate building materials isn't always easy, so it's helpful to work with a contractor with experience in this type of work. Experienced contractors will have specific suppliers that can help with this.

Why Trusting a Professional Makes All the Difference

There are many moving parts to consider when installing new windows in a historic home or building. The right contractor will be familiar with all the challenges of this type of work. To ensure your building or home will maintain its special character and beauty, work with a contractor with experience to do the job right.

How Woodland Windows & Doors Ensures a Seamless Historic Window Installation

The Chicago area is full of older buildings and homes that need a special touch during historic window replacement. This is why many property owners turn to Woodland Windows and Doors for window replacement. We've been installing new windows in homes and commercial buildings for decades, and we can help with your historic window replacement too.

Let Us Handle the Complexity – Contact Us for Expert Window Solutions

Woodland Windows and Doors offers window replacement services for homeowners and building owners in the Chicago area. We're the experts in commercial and residential window installation and replacement. To replace historically accurate windows, work with the professionals. Here's why customers choose us over the competition:

• Excellent customer service
• Expertise in historic window replacement
• Sells windows from the best brands in the business

Visit our showroom to see our range of window options from some of the best brands in the business. You can also schedule an in-home consultation to meet with one of our experts.