Before and After: Bay Window Redo

Need to update your bay window? Here’s an idea!  This St. Matthews bungalow needed new, energy efficient windows. Rather than settle with a look seen throughout the area, the homeowners – with Ann’s help – redesigned the look and the function.

The original bay had a center picture window with a “4-over-4” light pattern, and was flanked by two double hung windows (raise/lower).  Sometime during the life of this window, siding was added below the windows.  Note that the roof on the bay is a typical shingle roof.

Ann and the homeowners made significant changes to the windows.  First they decided on a “cottage style” window pattern with a single row of lites along the top of all three windows.  (Tip: Always make sure you line up the light patterns among windows in close proximity.)

Secondly, the homeowners changed the old double hung windows to casements. Casement windows are windows hinged on the side. In this situation, the homeowners chose push-out casements instead of the typical crank style.  To open, they simply turn the window handle and push out the sash – an easy and old fashioned way to enjoy pleasant temperatures and breezes.  To top it off, the homeowners added the high transparency retractable screens.  These screens retract out of sight when not in use.

The homeowners continued the update by removing the siding under the windows and returning the look to flat panel trim, then added a seamed metal roof.  As you can see, the total look is stunning!  We think this is a very successful exterior transformation!

These windows are made by Marvin Windows and Doors and installed by the Door Store and Windows.  To see more about push-out casements, click here.  Click here for more info on high transparency retractable screens.

Break In Drives Old Louisville Homeowners to Revitalize Entry Door

After a recent break-in at their Old Louisville home, these homeowners needed to upgrade and revitalize their entry door. The original door, with undersized deadbolt lock and inoperable knob lock, was no match for the intruders. The door, jamb and trim were damaged beyond repair so approval was granted by the Louisville Landmark Commission for a replacement door. The commission was established to protect and preserve the distinctive character and historic value of structures in preservation districts and the homeowners were required to use a replacement door that “duplicates the design, proportion, and arrangement of paneling and glazing of the original door”.

Problems existed even before the break-in. Settling of the house combined with warping and bowing of the original wood door required the homeowners to attempt to reduce cold weather drafts by placing a rolled rug at the base of the door. The lack of a true threshold combined with an improperly aligned door sweep on the bottom of the door caused damage to the wood floor finish. The homeowners needed a solution to these problems along with improving their security.

The homeowners selected an IWP solid Mahogany wood door. Custom stain was blended to match the stained wood trim in the interior of the home and to maintain the historic integrity of the home’s design.

The Door Store and Windows installation team worked to retain the original overhead transom by carefully working around it during the removal of the old door and installation of the new door. All of the work, including exterior trim replacement, was performed without ever removing the original transom. The new Mahogany door is a near replica of the original door and conforms to the Landmarks Commission design guidelines. Security was beefed up with an oil-rubbed bronze lockset featuring a multipoint locking system.