If you have an older home with ailing windows, then you are going to want to look for historic replacement windows. This type of window is made to look like the historic, original windows on your older home. However, there are a few key differences that really distinguish historic replacement windows from the original thing.

Dual Pane Glass

Most older windows had just one pane of glass. This may look just fine, but it is not great for insulation purposes. Glass is not a great insulator, and a lot of heat passes right through it, which means your energy bills are probably pretty high in a historic home with original windows. 

Historic replacement windows are made with double-pane glass. This does not look any different unless you look really closely. And if you do look closely, you will realize there are actually two sheets of glass with just a fraction of an inch of space between them. It's actually this space that makes all the difference. The space is filled with air, or sometimes argon gas, which acts as an insulator and helps reduce heat loss through the windows. This is one reason why historic replacement windows are so much more efficient than original historic windows, even though they look the same.

Better Seals

If you press on your old windows, the glass probably jiggles in the panels. The glass didn't do this when your old windows were brand new, but it did probably start wiggling within a few years. That's because the materials used to seal windows to the frames back then were just not great. They became brittle when cold, started to crack, and then allowed the glass to loosen. 

Historic replacement windows are made with new, high-end sealers and adhesive that keep the glass tightly in the frame for many years. The sealers don't look any different, but they do keep your new windows more secure and air-tight.

Longer-Lasting Finishes

Most historic replacement windows are still made from wood, as wood offers the most authentic, traditional look. What's different, though, is the finish. Today's paints don't look much different from the paints used years ago, but they are so much better. They cling more tightly to the wood, so they don't chip away and leave the wood exposed to the elements. They don't fade in the sun as easily, either, so you can use darker colors without worrying about bleaching.

Historic replacement windows may look like the old windows on your home, but they're made with today's technology and innovations. They're a really smart choice for your older home. Talk to a window company for more information. 

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