The old attitude of wooden windows meaning "short life & high maintenance" has been banished as timber proves to be the option that can outlast all others.
Scientific testing has shown that timber windows are outstanding for long term weather proofing - and do not distort easily through temperature or exposure extremes.
Modern factory-applied timber coatings will normally last at least 10 years. Recoating is simple - involving a wash down and application of only one coat.
Damaged sections are easily repaired - rather than needing replacement. Window sections can be matched exactly as they were originally made.
Timber windows can be manufactured to match existing designs - including arched or bowed features. They can also be made to match older designs.
Regardless of what you may hear from the "window replacement industry" and their sales people, current wood window restoration technology makes the continued use of period windows practical and energy efficient. Inevitably, historic wood window sash is vulnerable to maintenance problems after a century or more of rough handling and relentless exposure to the elements. Before you discard your historic wood windows, however, you should consider the long term costs of opting into the window replacement cycle. Replacements, regardless of their "lifetime guarantees", are only meant to last 15 or 20 years before their mechanisms fail or their sealed glazing units fog. The overall long term cost of restoring your period windows is less than periodic replacement because of their proven ability to outlast them many times.
Of course, energy efficiency and ease of operation must be a part of any calculation of costs and benefits. We have perfected the installation of high tech weatherstripping into period window systems so that they are as snug and easy to operate as when they were first built. By carefully refitting the sash in the frames and resetting the glazing we can usually eliminate most of the air infiltration. We strive to keep up with the latest techniques and materials for retrofitting historic units. A properly fitted, glazed and weathersealed window equipped with a high quality storm window, inside or outside, will meet modern standards for energy efficiency.
