Old House, New Problems

Take a walk or drive through Harrisburg’s historic district and you’ll see tons of buildings that were constructed in the 1800s and early 1900s. These homes boast character and ambiance that many buyers find irresistible. However, during renovation, it often becomes necessary to replace windows with newer versions.

The reason buildings upgrade their windows usually fall into one or more of the following categories:

 The windows are cracked or otherwise damaged.

 The windows are not energy-efficient.

 The windows don’t open, or open only after serious amounts of tugging.

 The windows have been glued shut.

 The windows are virtually impossible to clean.

 The windows are single pane.

Of course, the trick is to make sure any Harrisburg replacement windows that are added to a historic home, row home or townhouse match the architectural style of the building. If you’re trying to match the style of an old building with your new windows, it’s important to follow a clear action plan.

The Action Plan

First, in the case of a remodel of a historic building, you must consider the finished product. For example, if a bow or bay window is going to be added to the front “parlor” area, the space has to be evaluated and different types of windows need to be considered. Because the windows won’t be exactly the same as the old-style windows, it’s essential to get a fit and appearance as close to the original. Each window needs to be evaluated in this way, which sounds like a painstaking process, but it will be important to the final product.

Next, the functions of your windows have to be considered. Let’s say a home in the Harrisburg district is to be retrofitted with ductwork to allow for both gas heat and air conditioning. In this case, the homeowner might not have to open every window to allow ventilation into the space as a form of natural air conditioning. This can lead to a choice of picture windows, as picture windows do not open.

Finally, any current windows that cannot be easily replaced, such as stained glass pieces, need to be evaluated. As a Harrisburg replacement windows company, we often discuss how to integrate unique glasswork into designs. If there’s a way we can keep your beautiful stained glass, we’ll do it! This will help you enjoy the old features without compromising your comfort or spending too much.

The overarching goal is for your old home to perform efficiently and have an aesthetic appeal. There’s no reason to think that upgrading a former mansion needs to change its ambiance — adding replacement windows just makes it a more livable area for new occupants to enjoy!

(photo via)