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Replace original 1960s windows?

8 months ago

Our home was built in ~1960 and has original single pane windows with grids (or whatever they’re called). Every one seems to be painted shut. We’ve gotten some quotes on new windows but I’m worried about losing some of the character. It also seems like the new low-e glass will really impact how sunny our rooms are. That said, I’d love to be able to open the windows and clean them easily. I’ve read mixed things about replacing older windows. Why should I do?

(Yes, the windows in the photo need to be cleaned 🫣)

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Comments (4)

PRO
toddinmn
8 months ago
Try fixing one and see what ya think.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
8 months ago
Old windows are made from old growth wood, glass, and putty. Simple materials you can still get to execute good repairs. If there is rot that can be addressed with epoxy. They could live another century with minor repairs. You could also add storm windows for more energy efficiency.
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@HALLETT & Co. The original owner added the brick planter in the late 1980’s and they’re crumbling and safety hazard. I don’t think they offer any curb appeal. Especially the long planter to the right of the door, it seems odd. The smaller one near the garage is ok but not great shape either. The tall brick stacked next to the front door is original to the home, it’s staying put. We found out my husbands best friend’s great uncle had this home built and we have confirmed those aren’t original. I feel better about doing away with them.
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I did give that a bit of thought, lovemrmewey when I decided to give up the first floor bedroom to add more living space in the kitchen area for today. If need be, I can reconfigure another area of the first floor for a small bedroom if one is required in the future. For now...I am holding a vision that I will be healthy and able to manage stairs to an upstairs bedroom. Both floors will now have bathing/showering options. In the past, that was only on the first floor.
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Hi, Lindy, You're considering replacing components that are 50+ years old and still operational with new ones that have a 20 +/- year life expectancy. Sounds a lot like what happens every day in corporate America, except with people. Much of the energy losses with windows and exterior doors are due to air leakage. Replacement windows won't address that unless you do full tear out which is major surgery. As an alternative, you might consider adding a removable panel on the interior with a friction-fit frame such as the ones manufactured by Indowindow. https://indowwindows.com/
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You could many different things with an opening that size such as putting in operating windows or doors, put a wall in below with shorter windows, ect. Depends on what you want and how it would tie in with exterior. You could call a commercial glazer and see if they can do just the glass if that is all you want. I would want a triple paned, appropriate low-E glass pack with a warm edge spacer . Keep in mind your glass will look different than your other windows if they don’t have Low-e. Being as your climate can get pretty cold , and. You’re already at 32 degrees I don’t think I would go with an aluminum framed window and you’re building code might not even allow it. Aluminum is much more prone to condensation than other typical frame materials.
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PRO
Ultra Windows
8 months ago
New windows definitely won't look as good as those. They have a classic beauty that new windows can't replicate due to the insulated glass unit shallowing the depth of the SDL bars on the glass. Reminds me of many homes here in the Memorial area of Houston.

If you're not motivated by more efficient windows or operability, I'd keep them. You might get a handyman to see if he can at least get one window in each bedroom unstuck so that you could get out in case of a fire.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
8 months ago
Good advice above. At the end of the day, there are valid reason to repair/restore your old windows, and also valid reasons to replace. Your goals for the project should be the determining factor on which option is better for you.

Toss out the opinion of the window salesman that says they MUST be replaced, as well as that of the old-timey "craftsman" with his overalls and waxed mustache that gives you a line of bs about how you can make the old windows just as energy efficient.

Things to consider:

- Energy efficiency/comfort

- Ease of use

- Maintenance

- Character

- Overall aesthetics

- Cost

- Resale -- including what potential buyers of your type of home in your area may value more (ie: character and charm vs efficiency and less maintenance)

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