I couldn't be more thrilled with Preservation Chicago's Chicago 7 this year. This year they have included "Old Fashioned Wood Windows" on their list and this one really hits home to Pilsen. Here's an exerpt of their description from their website:
Everybody wants to save money on their heating bills, and we’ve all been told that replacing those old wood windows is the best way to do that. But the fact is, traditional wood double-hung windows are more cost and energy efficient, more durable, easier to maintain and simply more attractive than most any replacement window on the market.
The multi-million dollar replacement window lobby has convinced the general public that it is in their interest to pay more for an inferior version of something they already own. This explains why residential and commercial buildings all across Chicagoland are sprouting new vinyl and aluminum replacement windows. And why thousands of wood windows are being relegated to landfills. This neither conforms to the “green” movement, nor does it present a money-smart solution in these challenging economic times.
As a preservationist and as someone who is also frugal, I'm pleased Preservation Chicago has brought this issue to greater attention. Please see my first post for more articles regarding windows and energy efficiency.
1 comment:
As the only person I know of who has restored wooden sash windows in Pilsen I agree but while it is certainly nice to say the reality is that wooden windows which have not been maintained are very expensive to have refurbished correctly unless you do it yourself. The labor costs and time are astronomical. I spent over 40K getting my 26 windows restored. I am very happy I did and every person to a fault who thought it stupid changed their mind when it was done. What Preservation Chicago neglects to say is that to do it right you have to remove them, consolidate rot with epoxies, sand the frames, sand the sash, sand some more, re-glaze, replace the chains, install brass weatherstripping and on and on. Quite a task but the result, I agree, is worth it!
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