Selecting Replacement Windows for Your Historic Home

New Englanders have the good fortune of living among some of the oldest homes in America, many with well-established pedigrees. We treasure our historic homes for the way they were constructed, often by hand with primitive tools and materials sourced on-site. They were designed and built to last, but time hasn’t always been kind to them.

Many old homes need love (and elbow grease) in order to live in them comfortably today. Homeowners may find they need to restore, repair, or replace anything and everything—from outdated heating systems and electrical wiring to lead pipes and drafty, single-pane windows.

Christopher Wasmer is someone who knows how to preserve a home’s integrity by bringing it up to date without changing the way it looks. Windows are his specialty.

“There is a lot to know about choosing windows that are faithful to the architecture of a historic home,” says Wasmer, installation manager at JB Sash & Door in Chelsea, Massachusetts. “We’ve been advising homeowners—as well as builders and architects—on how to select windows for historic homes for eighty-five years,” he says.

No matter the age or style of your home, the right windows will define how faithfully your home honors its past—and they’ll add resale value, too, says Wasmer.

How to choose the best windows for historic homes

Start by studying the windows you have. If your windows are original, they’re worth documenting by taking photos inside and out. Even if they’re very worn, you can appreciate that their proportions, profiles, muntin patterns, and glass thickness were all intentional.

As such, window replacement for historic homes can be something of a science. The experts at JB Sash know how to replicate the aesthetics of original windows while vastly improving operability and energy efficiency. “It can be very difficult to open and close older windows, as well as wash them,” says Wasmer. “New windows with tilt-in sashes are designed to allow both the top and bottom sashes to swing inward, so the exterior glass can be cleaned safely and conveniently.”

When choosing wood windows for historic homes, you have options. “Marvin sources a variety of wood species to meet your needs,” says Wasmer. It offers three exterior wood options: pine, Douglas fir, and Honduran mahogany; its interior wood options include pine, cherry and white oak.

Wasmer recommends you visit the showroom for inspiration and to tap his team’s expertise. Once you have an idea of what you want, a window technician will come to your home to take measurements. More likely than not, they’ll recommend Marvin windows, the company’s “trusted premier brand.” JB Sash is a Marvin Verified Installing Retailer.

Marvin Ultimate windows are part of its Signature collection, offering the broadest range of window types, sizes, styles, and any option you can imagine—from intricate Victorian details to modern window walls.

The Marvin Elevate collection combines good looks with superior strength. It features proprietary fiberglass exteriors that outperform and outlast vinyl, aluminum, and other composites.

For homes requiring the highest level of authenticity and energy efficiency, consider the JB Sash Proper Bostonian collection. These custom reproductions are manufactured in the company’s own factory to precisely match existing windows in homes in historic districts that may be subject to stringent rules and regulations.

Why JB Sash?

The firm knows windows and doors inside and out, and it’s up to date with town and historic commission requirements. “We’ll work to secure necessary permits and help ensure your project moves swiftly through the approval process,” says Wasmer.

The JB Sash millwork team offers complete customization of its products. They can craft custom casings and sills and recreate historic, one-of-kind curved sashes. All products are backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, and JB Sash also offers a two-year installation warranty for peace of mind. Says Wasmer: “With us you get extensive collections, authenticity, and years of experience.” Plus, the confidence that you’ve done your very best to honor the legacy of your beautiful historic home.

JB Sash & Door
Chelsea, MA 02150
617.884.8940
jbsash.com