Home Restoration
There are many projects homeowners can tackle in order to restore their home to not only add value, but to also save money. One of those restoration projects is restoring old windows. For those that have homes that are fifty plus years old, the windows may not be working as efficiently as they could be which costs money in the way of heating and cooling costs. Lack of insulation or improper fit can cause air to leak out, as well as allow outside air to come in.
Window Restoration
Many believe that windows in a home need to be replaced if they are original to the home. This is not necessarily the case. Windows can be restored and offer the homeowner the efficiency that new windows can offer. Those that have restored their old windows in lieu of replacing them saw a significant decrease in energy costs. Thirty percent of energy costs come from heating and cooling your home.
Why Restore Instead of Replace?
There are really two easy answers to this question. The first is that if you live in an older historic home, restoring is the ideal choice because you are keeping the original parts of the house intact and preserving the look and feel of the era in which the home was built.
Another great reason to restore instead of replace is due to the cost savings. Replacing windows can be expensive, costing on average $5000 to $8000. This is a major investment which can be reduced with proper restoration.
In addition, if you ever go to sell your home and you have replaced the windows, it could lower the value of the home if it is in fact a historical home.
Can Your Windows Be Restored?
In most cases windows can be restored while giving the homeowner increase efficiency and lowering heating and cooling loss. If your windows have rotted, jammed or have broken parts, then most likely they can be restored. When windows show signs of condensation between the panes of glass, this is cause for concern and may not be able to be restored, although sometimes in this case your sash may only need to be replaced.
Precautions When Restoring
If you home was built before 1960, there is a good chance that your windows could house remnants of lead based paint. You can have the paint flakes tested to see if this is the case. If so, it is important to have a professional with experience cleaning and removing lead paint assist you. Lead paint can be dangerous which is why you don’t want to handle this type of job on your own.
Doing your homework before deciding whether to restore or replace is essential to save yourself time, money and hassle. Having a reputable company assist you with the restoration will ensure that the work is quality and will be provide you with look and energy efficiency that you seek.