- Wood windows have been a staple in homes for centuries due to their natural appearance, insulating properties, and timeless charm.
- The benefits of preserving wood windows include protecting history, increased energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
- Restore wood windows without replacement with Preservan.
Windows with wooden material were first defined in the 13th century and are derived from the Old Norse term meaning “wind-eye.” Later, in the late 17th century, timber sash windows were developed in the Netherlands. Today, wood windows are one of the most popular options for homeowners thanks to their value and efficiency. When it comes time to touch up your windows, it’s important to note why preserving wood windows provides many benefits in opposition to having them replaced. Below we have outlined the benefits of preserving wood windows along with common questions we hear from our clients.
Are All Windows Made From Wood?
Wood is a very popular choice of material among homeowners. However, there are plenty of windows out there that are made with other materials. Windows are primarily made from six materials: wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood-clad, and composite.
Do Wood Windows Add Value To A Home?
The 2023 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling magazine states that in central North Carolina, replacing vinyl windows increases a home’s value by an average of $13,776, roughly 69% of the project’s cost. Replacing wood windows boosts the home’s value by an average of $14,912, or about 61% of the project’s cost. These figures are based on projects involving the replacement of 10 standard-sized windows, excluding any specialty sizes or shapes.
Is It Better To Replace Or Restore Wood Windows?
Restoring windows is often better than replacing them for maintaining architectural integrity and aesthetics. Additionally, preserving wood windows is generally more cost-effective. With regular cleaning and upkeep, wood windows can last for a century or more, potentially eliminating the need for replacement.
Benefits Of Restoring Wood Windows
The benefits of choosing to restore wood windows go beyond the home itself. By restoring instead of replacing, you’ll be maintaining the historical charm of your home, increasing energy efficiency, and sustaining the environment, all while increasing the value of your home. Below we’ve listed just three of the benefits of preserving wood windows opposed to replacing them.
- Keeping Historical Charm
Historically, wood windows were custom-made to fit their unique openings and installed with precision. They play an integral role in defining a building’s character. Their dimensions, placement, and proportional relationship to the architectural design of a building all contribute to the building’s overall appearance and atmosphere. One of the benefits of preserving wood windows on a historic house, is the aspect that the house keeps its original character and charm. This in turn adds more aesthetic value for the homeowner as well as overall value to the home on the housing market.
- Increased Energy Efficiency
A comparative study of the cumulative energy use of historical versus contemporary wood windows was authored by Frank Shirley, Fred Gamble, and Jarod Galvin in 2010. The study concluded that the thermal performance of the old wood window system and the new wood window system is comparable. This means that it’s possible to keep the original windows without relying on more materials for installing brand new windows.
- Environmental Sustainability
Original wood windows are much more environmentally friendly compared to “energy-efficient” vinyl replacements. With proper maintenance, sealing, and storm windows, historic windows can offer the same efficiency level as newer models, but with a significantly lower environmental impact. New window technology manufacturers often claim that old windows are inefficient. They promote replacing historic windows as the “green” option, but this isn’t always true.
Can I Restore Wood Windows Myself?
The benefits of preserving wood windows begs the question of can I restore wood windows myself? The answer is, of course, yes, but it’s not at all easy. Estimates suggest that a typical window replacement project costs over $23,000 and often results in a net ROI loss of 32%! Such projects can take up to weeks to complete and may involve unexpected costs and delays. This is why it’s recommended that you seek epoxy specialists who are experts in wooden window repair and restoration of nearly any type. They can address wood rot at a fraction of the cost and time, generally up to 90% of the cost of replacement.
Choose Preservan To Preserve Wood Windows
So now that you know the many benefits of preserving wood windows, you can make an informed decision for yourself. We want to hear your favorite benefits of preserving wood windows and why you chose to preserve instead of replace. If you are ready to preserve wood windows within your home, start today with Preservan. Our epoxy technicians are highly skilled in repairing wood rot on both modern and vintage windows, bringing them back to their original beauty. The dry rot repair techniques we use have been reviewed and approved by The National Park Service and Fine Homebuilding as environmentally friendly methods for wood restoration.
Preservan is your one-stop shop for all things wood rot repair. We repair windows, doors, and much more! Request a free quote, or contact us today to schedule your free consultation for repairing wooden windows and addressing dry rot damage around your windows and sills. You’ll be happy you did!
Contact Preservan
Contact Preservan today to learn more about preserving wood windows.
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Preservan
401 S Blackwelder Ave
Oklahoma, OK 73108
