Custom Double Hung Window Replacement July 19, 2012

If your home is anywhere near as old as mine you know that windows are the biggest factor in energy loss. In the summer they let in heat and too much UV light and in the winter they let out heat and in cold air. The easiest way to remedy the problem is to have custom windows and sashes made from someone like Marvin, Anderson, or Pella which means the old weights are being removed as well as the old sash. This isn’t very traditional and does change the look drastically on both the inside and the outside of the house.

Instead of changing the look I found another custom solution that blended the best of both worlds. The Wood Window Warehouse in Emeryville, CA specializes in making old style windows with modern technology. They use traditional joinery and old style methods of creating double hung weighted windows with two panes of gas filled with gas with a low-e coating to keep out UV light. They also add weather stripping all around for nice tight fit.

Below is a photo of the windows removed.

Old double hung windows removed

Below you can see a close up of one of the new windows. We attached our original hardware and you can barely tell the difference. The craftsmanship is superb and the room is already feeling less drafty. It is also protecting our beautiful damask wallpaper from fading.

New Double Hung Windows Installed

While we were having the windows replaced in the front parlor we also decided to have a leaded glass window made for the library. The view out the window looks down the tradesmen entrance so translucent glass was a perfect choice to mask the ugly view. The leaded glass also plays nicely on the original leaded stained glass above and helps to complete this part of the library.

Leaded Double Hung Window Replacement

All in all the project was as easy as picking up the phone and ordering. Unfortunately these windows don’t come cheap but its the price you have to pay to keep the house traditional.

12 Comments
Ken - the OldHouseGuy August 10th, 2012

There are some good historic reproduction windows out there but just remember they are still disposable unlike the original windows. Make sure you also check out the detailing since a double pane of glass will drastically alter the appearance. More exact info at http://www.oldhouseguy.com/windows

Ernesto August 14th, 2012

This was very helpful, I love new wood windows!

Westchester General Contractors September 29th, 2012

Very nice ideas for windows. The bloggers mostly forget to write much about the windows thanks for sharing ideas.

Angela June 5th, 2013

Hello – I was wondering who you used to make the leaded glass window for the library? Gorgeous pics!

Thanks!

John Clarke Mills June 5th, 2013

I went through the Wood Window Warhouse folks. They have someone they contract this type of work out to

Angela June 6th, 2013

Great! Thank you!

Suesan Taylor October 22nd, 2013

Hi, need estimate for a replacement window 27 x 67″, double-hung (openable top with lockable bottom to keep toddlers from crawling out). Something like Milgard Vinyl is OK. Since this looks into a window well (no view) glass could be slightly textured. Surround is wood (house is 1906 Victorian).

Thanks.

John Clarke Mills October 22nd, 2013

Suesan,

I wish I could help but I dont sell windows. This is just my house blog. I am a software engineer by trade.

Best of luck,

John

home remodeling philipsburg mt February 5th, 2014

These windows looks similar to those of apartments and buildings from European countries such as France and the United Kingdom. The craftsmanship is incredible.

Gerardo September 23rd, 2014

Can you tell me who did the foundation work on your beautiful Victorian? Thank you.

John Clarke Mills September 23rd, 2014

Gil Construction out of the South Bay. http://gilconstruction.yolasite.com

Very good

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