The Replacement Treadmill

Re-View worked on this project 17 years ago where we restored the existing steel windows. Several openings had louvers and needed a new window installed so the construction team specified a wood replacement window to fill these openings. We installed what is known as one of the best wood replacement windows in the industry.

The industry has a negative impression of historic steel windows. They can be costly to restore and most often contain lead paint. They are also poor performers from modern energy efficiency standards. The glass is single pane and is clear so the R Values and shading coefficient ratings fail to compare to modern replacements. As a result, many of these windows are replaced. The industry has interpreted "Green" to mean high energy efficiency ratings rather than durable products.

The industry fails to recognize the true value of historic steel windows. They are designed to perform for hundreds of years with little maintenance required. But since the industry is focused on energy efficiency, they are replaced with energy efficient replacement windows that need to be replaced every 20 years. The picture below documents the condition of the wood replacement window compared to a restored steel window.

When you evaluate whether you want to restore or replace a historic window, ask yourself if you really want to get on the replacement treadmill?