As a Twin Cities replacement window company specializing in window and door solutions for older and historic homes, we realize that one of the main concerns many homeowners have is being able to maintain the authentic look and charm they loved when they purchased their homes. One drawback to these older houses is that the windows are generally wood, with single pane glass. And over time, wood frames can warp or shrink, resulting in lots of air leakage. And single-pane glass doesn’t really do much to keep the outside temperature outside where it belongs. So, are historically accurate, energy-efficient replacement windows the answer?
Our simple reply is a little complex, because the answer could be yes, but often it’s no. For the most part, we encourage homeowners with these older beauties to take steps to retain those old wood windows while increasing energy efficiency. Our most common solution is the Mon-Ray acoustical storm window. Its slim frame allows much of the beauty of the original window to show while still protecting the exterior frame and providing an extra layer of glass with insulating air in between. Pulling out those old windows could be a huge mistake that you’ll eventually regret. The lumber used to manufacture those old windows is simply not available today, so even with real wood windows you can’t come close to what you have now, even with the lack of energy efficiency.
Now, there are times that we recommend homeowners of older or historic homes in fact replace their old windows. Usually it’s because they windows themselves have function or structural problems. But we can help you select windows that come close to the appearance of your existing windows while offering modern window technology that will make your home more comfortable and reduce your utility bills. There are even windows with the look of real wood but without the upkeep needed. Modern convenience with old-world charming appearance!
One of our favorite companies to work with for windows like this is Marvin. For decades Marvin has been manufacturing windows for historic homes. Their goal is to preserve the architectural integrity of the original windows while providing the owner with modern replacement window features. Even government entities responsible for historic sites (such as the National Park Service) look to Marvin when they need windows for an historic building restoration.
We are proud to be a Marvin Authorized Replacement Contractor for their terrific windows. And we work with local and national historic district entities to ensure that any replacement window project meets their requirements. It’s just part of the services we offer to owners of historic homes.
So if you own one of those stately old homes like those on Summit Avenue in St. Paul or Loring Park in Minneapolis, why not contact us for a free evaluation of your existing windows and our recommendations? In addition to the Twin Cities area, we also work in other communities such as Fairbault and Rosemount.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
