Old House Windows and their Challenges

By Bill Dilworth On February 7, 2022 0 Comment

Old House Windows and their Challenges – Older homes are full of character and charm. Just think of all the people who have lived in the home before you and what place they had in history!

One thing that can be a challenge in an older home is the windows.

Here are some common problems with windows in older homes:

Not enough insulation.

Many older windows are single paned. This leads to loss of heat and air conditioning which drives your energy costs up. Solution? You can DIY with weather stripping and window films. For a more permanent solution, replace the single pane window with double pane. Seek out a window replacement that is a replica of the original to keep your old house charm.

Wood windows.

Today’s windows are vinyl framed. Older homes have wooden window frames. Although the old wooden frames wear out over time, they are relatively simple to repair if done so before the wood is too far gone. Keeping the wooden window sashes, rails or muntins keeps the atmosphere and charm of the older home while keeping your window firmly in place. It’s worth the extra time painting or staining the window frame to show off the craftsmanship.

Keeping the windows clean.

Newer windows have a tilting feature that enables the homeowner to clean the whole window from the inside. Older windows require homeowners to attend to each window inside and outside. Outside you may need a ladder and a power washer and extension handles for your squeegee to get each window clean. Older windows turn a simple squirt and wipe job into an all day affair.

Unprotected window wells.

One thing that is common in older homes with basements is that they have a window for emergencies and light. Since the basement is underground, a window well is created to make space for the window. Window wells are notorious for letting in water, gathering leaves and snow, and being a falling hazard from the outside. Installing a custom made window well cover is the best way to protect your property from any damages a window well could cause.

Call Window Bubble at 1-888-624-8699 or use our online contact form for more information.

The key to preserving windows in older homes is to keep up with the maintenance. Don’t let a small repair turn into a major problem!

Follow Window Bubble on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/windowbubble

Editor’s Note: This is an updated version of a post that ran in 2017.