What Replacement Windows Can\textquoterightt Replace: The Real Cost of Removing Historic Windows

The argument between replacing windows and restoring them is an unresolved issue when considering heritage preservation. Manufacturers argue that replacing old windows should be the first step. However, taking into account both preservation and sustainability, this approach should be reconsidered. Similar to what Susan M. Ross argued in the previous journal, sustainability and historic preservation come hand in hand. This union will be successful as long as it is understood that sustainability is more than just the conservation of energy. Retaining heritage in buildings is important and once historic materials have been removed from a site the heritage value falls and can never be restored. It is thus important to take into account the possible consequences towards the heritage value of a building when deciding whether to restore or replace windows with historic value. \“Once authentic material is lost, it is lost forever. It does not matter how accurate the replacement window, it never reflects the nuances of the original.\”Contrary to the information (or misinformation) spread by manufacturers, restoration is actually on par cost-wise with a mid level replacement window. New windows can cost up to three times that of restoration and in the process the aesthetics and authenticity of the original building is lost. The main argument made in this journal is that sustainability is not only about energy but instead is about \“making environmentally responsible choices regarding historic windows that take into account the spectrum of associated costs and effects.\” Retaining original windows on a historic building is essential in preserving the buildings original architectural identity. In this journal the argument is made that restoring original windows is usually a better option than replacing them with a contemporary manufactured version. This journal is important because information of the costs and benefits of window restoration are not widely known. Usually the first step to improving the value of a home is replacing the windows. It is perceived by many that window restoration is expensive and that new windows are much more cost effective when considering heating and cooling costs. Once again the overall view of heritage planning is that it is expensive and labor intensive. The truth is that restoring windows is not nearly as expensive as the general public believes, and restoring original windows minimized the need to produce new ones.