frequently asked questions

We can’t say it any better than this. Here are the top 10 reasons to restore your windows from the Window Preservation Alliance. 

We think windows are one of the most important details of your historic home. They were built for your home and have a certain style or aesthetic quality that is unique. Keeping your windows in good condition is just as important to your home as painting or tuckpointing. We restore windows as part of our drive to preserve these older homes. 

We have a pretty broad definition of “historic” at Artisan Restoration. We’ve restored windows from the early 1800s to the 1950s. We believe that your windows reflect the history of your home. Are they worth saving? Most times the answer is yes. 

Once restored with weatherstripping, your older windows will be significantly less leaky. Add a storm window, and they are almost as efficient as double-pane replacement windows (and are still a part of the look of your great older home.) 

Here are some links to more information on the efficiency of older wood windows:

Some plain language from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog

Evaluating the Energy Performance of Window Retrofit and Replacement, from the Window Preservation Alliance. 

The 2012 window issue of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions newsletter.

Most new, replacement windows may seem “maintenance-free,” but in reality, they have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. So while you might not have to do anything but clean them, you will have to replace them and that just isn’t very sustainable. If you have existing wood windows, chances are that they are built to last quite a bit more than 10 years. Once restored, your wood windows shouldn’t need more than paint for a long time and might not need to be restored again for decades. That’s more like “maintenance-free.”

We can definitely work with you on your budget. We completely understand and though we will give you a free estimate on all of your windows, you can certainly restore your windows in phases. Just let us know your priorities and we’ll work with you.