As a replacement window company specializing in older and historic homes, we feel highly qualified to answer a question like this. But it may surprise you to learn that when people ask us what the best replacement window is for their historic home that our answer is “Don’t replace your windows.” Instead, we’ve got a better solution: acoustic storm windows.
Whenever it’s possible, we suggest to owners of older homes that if their existing wood windows are still in good shape but the issue is air leakage and/or high heating or cooling bills that they have acoustic storm windows from Mon-Ray installed. Mon-Ray is known across the country by architectural preservation entities for their high-quality storms and how well they can be customized to fit just about any window configuration, even the round ones and arch tops. You can find their storms on college campuses, national park buildings, and homes. We have installed them on historic homes in communities like Stillwater, Faribault, and other neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.
You might wonder why storm windows rather than modern energy-efficient replacement windows are better for these situations. Frankly, the lumber that was used to create those old windows isn’t even available today. The craftsmanship is unmatched, and chances are your windows have plenty of charming detail you won’t find in today’s wood windows, unless you have them custom crafted. And that gets expensive.
Adding Mon-Ray acoustic storm windows will give you the energy efficiency you’re looking for, plus they will protect the exterior of your wood windows. Of course, the frequent maintenance needed on the outside of real wood windows is one of the reasons people replace them, but storm windows will eliminate that chore and expense. These storm windows have very slim-line frames, so you don’t have to worry about blocking your view or hiding your windows.
There is reason, however, to replace older wood windows, and that is if they are somehow damaged or don’t work properly anymore. If they don’t stay up, are hard to open, or have broken parts, then of course replacing them with new windows is recommended. A number of window manufacturers we work with offer high-quality, energy-efficient windows that replicate the look of those charming old wood ones but have modern technology and low maintenance features built in. We’d be happy to work with you to find just the right replacement windows that will work for your home while retaining its historical and architectural accuracy. We also work with historic district entities to ensure your new windows fit their requirements.
If you’ve got an older or historic home in the greater Minneapolis St. Paul metro area and are looking for the right window solution, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. We are THE replacement window company for this part of Minnesota.
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.
