I walked by this Shingle Style double-house in Providence, RI, and immediately noticed that one side had vinyl replacement windows while the other retained its historic wood sash. I thought of all the people I’ve heard say, “”But the salesman said they would look exactly the same…” Many vinyl window manufacturers claim that custom “grilles” in vinyl windows can look just like historic wood windows (at a substantial upcharge).
The photo shows clearly how much character is actually lost when the three-dimensional muntins of a traditional wood window are replaced by the faux “grille” sandwiched between the glass panes in a vinyl window. Note how the diamond pattern of the wood sash plays off the diamond pattern in the shingles of the wall – a subtle but brilliant effect intended by the architect and all but lost with the vinyl window. Placing the “grille” behind the glass all but guarantees there will be a glare obscuring the visibility of pattern.
Also note that the vinyl window cannot be repaired and is only intended to last 15-20 years. Historic window sash were designed and constructed so they can be repaired and continue to serve their function for another century or more.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” delves deeply into window repair and restoration.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
“The Window Sash Bible” and “Storm Windows, a Comprehensive Guide” by Steve Jordan are also available in our shop. Save with our combo-pack of both books!
© Scott T. Hanson 2024.
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