As any owner of a historic home will tell you, renovation projects can be exciting but often come with a long list of challenges. Architectural styles can be difficult to match, as can paint and stain colors. Not to mention, there’s the exacting process of working within the strict guidelines of local historic preservation codes. The good news is there’s no need to navigate these challenges alone—the experts at Door Store and Windows can match nearly any window, color or style to ensure your replacements retain or restore your home’s historical character.
A great example of how Door Store and Windows has helped with a historic window replacement comes from our client Stephanie, whose home in Clifton was built in 1925. Before she purchased the house, the previous owners had replaced several of the original grid windows with ill-fitting and unattractive aluminum windows that did not match the home’s architecture.
Before: The Aluminum Windows in the Front Room (Left) and Kitchen (Right)
“Nothing really looked or felt right,” Stephanie said. “The aluminum windows didn’t reflect the charm I knew the house had when it was first built. I really wanted to restore the house as best as possible to its former beauty and level of craftsmanship.”
In her quest to restore the home’s look, Stephanie also had several windows that were original to the home restored by an expert. She was very happy with the results, but realized now she needed matching storm windows for better energy efficiency and protection from the elements. It was yet another detail that had to comply with the stringent specifications required by Clifton’s historical district guidelines.
“I knew it was a big project that would require a lot of specialized expertise and a huge attention to detail,” Stephanie said. “That’s why I turned to Door Store and Windows.”
After a consultation with one of Door Store and Windows’ window and door replacement specialists, Stephanie selected a non-standard window style that matched her 95-year-old windows, down to the grids. The specialist was also able to review Door Store and Windows’ comprehensive catalog of stain colors to find one identical to that of the original trim. They even sourced hardware to match. To finish the job, low-profile storm windows were installed over the new replacement windows as well as the restored windows. The final result exceeded all expectations.
After: The New Windows with Matching Trim
“After everything was finished, I could not believe it,” Stephanie said. “Everything blended so well, inside and out. You’d never know the new windows hadn’t been there since the house was built. It’s amazing. One of the reasons I first fell in love with the home was the beautiful woodwork throughout the place, especially around the windows. I definitely had worries that the new window installation would possibly destroy some of that woodwork. I’m so glad to say that wasn’t the case. Door Store and Windows were able to seamlessly meld everything together. I couldn’t be happier.”
If you have questions about historic replacement windows, stop by our showroom to checkout all of the unique designs we have available or CONTACT US to set up a consultation.
