Before I begin to publish posts to the Window Review blog, let me provide you with a little background about my company so you have a better idea of the origin of the posts in this blog. Since the management of Re-View has performed virtually all types of window work over the past 20 years, we are uniquely qualified to provide an unbiased opinion on a number of window issues. It is my intention to provide information based upon facts, not an emotionally-laced hidden agenda.

The management of Re-View became involved in the window business over 20 years ago as Pella window distributors. Over the first ten years, we were involved in replacing and installing all types of windows from major window manufacturers. We have worked with wood window manufacturers such as Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Kolbe & Kolbe, Weather Shield, Eagle, and Jeld-Wen. We have also installed thousands of aluminum window systems from a host of manufacturers. Although we are not proud of it, we have also installed thousands of vinyl windows in commercial structures. This varied background has provided us with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each of these types of window products.

In the 1990’s we began to purchase historically correct wood windows from small regional manufacturers who could fabricate virtually anything in wood. We also became experienced in restoring historic wood and steel windows. As the company grew beyond the Midwestern United States, we discovered that we couldn’t rely on the small output and varying quality of small regional custom manufacturers so Re-View began to manufacture its own windows.

Over the past five years, we have invested in computer automated equipment to improve quality, reduce cost, and increase output. Our state of the art manufacturing plant has become one of the largest producers of custom wood window replicas. We have also established a production mentality to the restoration of historic wood and steel windows. Our union craftsmen travel all over the United States to perform installations and restorations, enabling Re-View to offer a turnkey service for all aspects of historic fenestration.

This complete background in wood, aluminum, and vinyl window replacements combined with our custom manufacturing and restoration expertise, in addition to our field labor capabilities, makes the Re-View team uniquely qualified to provide unbiased commentary on any number of issues relating to historic windows.

Historic Window Blog

How one copes with historic windows on a landmark property can be a very complex issue. There is an inherent responsibility or burden depending upon how you look at it that is attached to a historically significant building. Our company has engaged with owners, architects, and contractors from across the country to perform window work on prominent structures, and there are usually more questions than answers as decisions are made to address the problems with historic fenestration.

I intend to write this blog in order to address the many factors one might consider when evaluating how to solve window issues on a landmark property. Many factors come into play when one develops a strategy including but not limited to the following:

• The architectural significance of the building
• The prominence of the existing windows in the architectural style
• The presence of codes or historic guidelines established by State or Federal preservation agencies
• The budget available to perform the work
• The planned use of the building
• Energy requirements of the building
• Security requirements of the building
• The experience of the architect
• The mood of the preservation officer

In addition to confronting the debate as to what should be done on historic windows, I intend to share experiences of our company on window issues. We will look at what works and what fails when working on historic windows.

By posting this blog, I hope to enlighten people on many of the issues that impact a preservation project so that better decisions may be made prior to construction.