Putty & Points Window Restoration

Why mess with a good thing?

Your existing wood windows have already lasted decades, maybe even 100 years or more. With careful restoration, you can get decades more out of them before further attention is needed beyond basic maintenance.Don’t let replacement windows fool you. They often have long or even lifetime warranties against defects, but in terms of normal wear on materials, they may be covered for as few as 10 years.

How does cost compare?

Depending on the condition of your existing window, the expense of replacement can be considerably higher than restoration. Also, full restoration is just one option. If you simply want your painted windows to be unstuck and functional or need broken ropes or glass replaced, these can be very cost-effective repairs.

What about energy efficiency?

While replacement windows can be more energy efficient than your original windows, you are unlikely to recoup the cost before it’s time to replace them again. The majority of the heating and cooling loss in your home is through the roof and floor, so your money would be better spent weather-proofing other areas such as installing attic or under-floor insulation.

How will the value of my home be affected?

Preserving original features of your home maintains its character – if you have a historic home, character is the reason you bought it in the first place. Plus maintaining historic details will appeal to potential buyers looking for authenticity. Details such as trim, molding, and original glass come together to provide a period look worth keeping, which translates to increased value.

What about environmental impact?

Restoration prevents old wood and glass from being discarded into landfills. On top of that, the creation and transportation of new materials are both energy and resource intensive. If you are environmentally conscious, restoration is the responsible choice.