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We Install Custom Manufactured Storm Windows for Minneapolis Area Historic Homes

The Minneapolis area is full of some real architectural gems in terms of historic homes as well as commercial buildings.  There are various neighborhoods around the Twin Cities (and even in outlying communities such as Faribault and elsewhere) with stately old homes such as Victorian and Tudor style.  Think Summit Avenue in St. Paul or Park Avenue in Minneapolis.  (Minneapolis alone has 18 separate historic districts.  There are also plenty of other historic homes that may not officially be classified as such.)  Buyers are drawn to the beauty and classic style of these homes, but many soon find out that making improvements to bring their homes up to date in terms of function are challenging.   Our specialty is door and window installation for historic and older homes.  Owners of these homes tend to tackle these projects first, because those gorgeous old structures are usually drafty and expensive to heat and cool.

The Challenges of Replacing Doors and Windows in Minneapolis Historic Homes

New owners of homes in historic districts quickly find out that there are restrictions and requirements governing what they can do to their homes.  While the interiors are usually not covered, changes to the outside of a home are.  These vary from district to district; some affect the entire exterior structure while others only refer to the front and sides that are visible from the street.  If door and window replacements are needed, you may find you’re limited to what is historically accurate and/or does not change the original appearance of the home.  You may be able to change colors, but most likely you’ll be limited to historical colors and will be required to submit your colors for approval.  Other things that may crop up are nonstandard size openings as well as uniquely shaped windows.

We’re here to help historic homeowners navigate the often confusing requirements to make their homes more energy-efficient via improvements to their doors and windows.  Our specialty is historic home windows and doors, and we can work directly with your historic district to make the process easier. 

It may surprise you that we rarely recommend replacing windows in historic homes unless they are damaged beyond repair.  Why?  You can’t find lumber like that which was used to craft those original windows.  And modern wood windows – despite being designed to be historically accurate and usually acceptable to historic districts – just don’t match the appeal of the old ones.  Instead we suggest having quality storm windows installed. (Read this prior blog post to find out why.)

Replacement Windows ImageAs an installer of storm windows, we believe there is no better window solution for these older homes than Mon-Ray storm windows Mon-Ray has been chosen by many institutions across the U.S. to make their buildings more energy efficient.  And Mon-Ray storms can do the same for your historic home.  Even if your windows are oddly shaped.  For example, check out the photos in this article.  This is one of our projects.  We were able to work with Mon-Ray to custom design storm windows to fit the multiple styles, including the gorgeous round top ones.

Mon-Ray storms will not only protect the wood of your existing window exteriors, eliminating maintenance, but also cut down on noise infiltration from the outside.  These windows are classified as acoustical, and that noise reduction may be a big benefit.  Historic homes are usually found on busy streets, so cutting down on noise inside is a big plus.

So if you haven’t considered storm windows for your older home due to window configuration (or any other reasons), we urge you to speak with us.  We can help make your older home more comfortable and energy-efficient, while preserving the beauty that attracted you to that home in the first place.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota replacement window and door company serving the greater Minneapolis metro area.

 

 

 

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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.

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