Bowed Windows Made in Virginia

Bowed Windows Made in Virginia

Round, Arc, Gothic Arch, and Bowed Windows Handcrafted in Virginia:

When it comes to bespoke architectural woodwork, Gepetto Millworks stands at the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Virginia. Specializing in historically accurate, handcrafted windows, our artisans are trusted by preservationists, architects, and homeowners alike. Among our most requested products are our round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed windows—each style offering a unique aesthetic and functional value. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of a fully round window, the graceful curvature of an arc or bowed window, or the soaring lines of a Gothic arch, Gepetto Millworks captures the essence of historic Virginia architecture.

Round Windows: Architectural Focal Points Throughout the Centuries

Round windows have served as distinctive focal points in architecture throughout Virginia’s history. At Gepetto Millworks, our craftsmen meticulously re-create round windows to match the historic build style and quality ranging from small porthole-style accents to large oculi that dominate gable ends and facades in many prominant buildings. Fully round windows were especially popular during the Georgian and Federal periods as symbols of harmony and balance. The round, arc and elipsis windows appear above entryways or in pediments as focal features. In Victorian homes, especially in Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles, round windows added a touch of whimsy and light to stairwells, turrets, and attics.

If your historic Victorian home has a turret, the windows were likely crafted to fit, the exact outward arc to match the circumfrense of the turret.  Gepetto’s craftsmen are specifically trained to reproduce the quality construction that has lasted a hundred years by using the highest quality sapele utilizing traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery true to the period.  If you’re not familiar with Sapele it’s a similar wood to mahogony which comes from Africa, instead of South America.  Sapele lumber is a hardwood sourced from the Entandrophragma cylindricum tree, native to Africa. It’s often used as a substitute for mahogany, especially South American mahogany, due to its similar appearance and properties. Sapele is known for its rich reddish-brown color, which can darken with age, and its natural luster. The grain can be interlocked, creating beautiful figures like ribbon, quilted, and pommele.  Most important for windows, Sapele and Mahogany are used as they machine very straight, and have a high resistance to rot from absorbed water.  The new choice for stabilized and rot resistant wood stock is called Accoya – read about the treatment of Acetylation for wood.

Arc Windows: Graceful Curves for Historic Spaces

Arc windows feature a curved top with straight sides. Often featured in church buildings, estate homes, and public structures across Virginia, arc windows bring an understated elegance like a flower at the top of a stem. In historic Virginia architecture, arc windows made their appearance during the late Federal and early Victorian periods as craftsmen were called on to fabricate the more elaborate designs of architects. Especially prevalent in Southern plantation homes, often installed above doors, you’re subtly familiar with their placement but as you start to google for a contractor to repair or replace them, you’ll find that it’s nearly a lost art!  Not to worry, Gepetto’s staff are trained and experienced in the mathematical proportions, and the tooling needed to producing these complex shapes to exactly match your historic window. At Gepetto Millworks, our arc windows are handcrafted to match. We replicate traditional molding profiles, sash styles, and muntin patterns while integrating modern glazing technology.

Gothic Arch Windows: A Testament to Virginia’s Ecclesiastical and Romantic Heritage

Gothic arch windows are instantly recognizable by their pointed arches and narrow vertical proportions. Found in churches, academic buildings, and large estates, these windows are emblematic of the Gothic Revival movement.  The Gothic Revival architectural movement in the United States swept into Virginia, occurred in the building furvor from approximately 1840 to 1880.  Crafting a Gothic arch window requires immense skill and precision. Gepetto Millworks artisans sculpt each piece from premium hardwood, ensuring the pointed apex is structurally sound and visually perfect. These windows often feature intricate tracery and divided lights, requiring a high degree of technical craftsmanship that the shop at Gepetto keeps alive.  Our Gothic arch windows grace both restorations of Virginia’s historic churches and modern homes that seek to incorporate classical drama. Whether you are restoring a cathedral in Richmond or adding a Gothic-inspired touch to a custom estate in Charlottesville, Gepetto’s windows are your go-to source.

Bowed Windows: The Victorian Love Affair with Curves

Bowed windows curve outward from a building’s facade, often found in Victorian homes, especially those with turrets and bay extensions. In Virginia, these outwardly bowed windows became especially fashionable during the mid to late 1800s as urban and rural homeowners sought to display their wealth and architectural savvy through the new homes they were building with the most intricate or ornate results.  Bowed windows require a mastery of compound curves and precision framing. Gepetto Millworks brings over three decades of experience crafting bowed windows that seamlessly fit into historic turret structures in wood or stone. Our team works closely with architects and homeowners to ensure the curvature and mullion spacing complements the building’s scale and period for an exact match.

Each bowed window is assembled by hand using traditional joinery methods and features high-performance glazing for durability and energy efficiency. Our craftsmen have recreated bowed windows for homes in Alexandria, Norfolk, and Staunton—preserving the distinctive Victorian charm of their turrets and facades.

Federal Period Elipsis Overlights: A Distinctive Accent of Historic Virginia

Elliptical overlights—also known as fanlights—were a hallmark of the Federal period, providing natural light and architectural refinement above entry doors. In Virginia, these elipsis-shaped windows were often adorned with intricate muntin patterns and flanked by sidelights.  Gepetto Millworks specializes in accurately recreating these elliptical overlights using historical blueprints, archival photos, or surviving fragments. Our reproductions have graced the doorways of plantation homes in Williamsburg, townhouses in Fredericksburg, and government buildings in Richmond. Using custom bending forms and precision-cut jigs, our artisans handcraft each elliptical frame, fitting it with period-correct glazing and mullion patterns. We also offer restoration services for damaged or incomplete overlights, ensuring these iconic features endure for future generations.

round wooden windows being made in the virginia shop 

What sets Gepetto Millworks apart in Virginia’s landscape of historic window craftsmen is our relentless attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. Every round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed window is a testament to our passion for historical accuracy and our dedication to artisanal woodworking.  We collaborate with historical societies, preservation commissions, and homeowners who want their architectural features to reflect the period styles of Virginia’s diverse architectural heritage. From the coastal Georgian mansions of the Tidewater region to the highland estates of the Shenandoah Valley, Gepetto Millworks is proud to be the trusted name for period-specific window design and fabrication.

Our craftsmen utilize time-honored techniques:

  • Mortise-and-tenon joinery
  • Hand-carved moldings
  • Custom-milled sash profiles
  • Historically accurate glass lites and muntins
  • Fine finishing using natural oils and historically accurate paint
  • Each window is more than a product; it is a legacy piece that honors the architectural lineage of Virginia.

Monticello Region: In Charlottesville, a late-Federal style estate required a full set of elliptical overlights and arc windows. Gepetto Millworks used historic blueprints and archival photos to reconstruct each window, earning praise from the local historical society.

Downtown Richmond: A restored Gothic Revival church needed over a dozen custom Gothic arch windows, including tracery patterns unique to the building. Our craftsmen worked on-site to ensure a seamless fit and aesthetic harmony.

Norfolk Victorian Mansion: This turreted Victorian home received a full bowed window rebuild, fabricated in our workshop and installed with precision to preserve its dramatic street-facing curve.

Fredericksburg Federal Home: Damaged elliptical overlights were restored to their former glory, complete with fan muntins and clear restoration glass.

Architectural Continuity and Innovation

While our windows reflect historic aesthetics, they also meet modern performance standards. All Gepetto Millworks products are available with insulated glazing units, low-E glass, and weather-sealing. We believe that preserving Virginia’s architectural history should not come at the cost of energy efficiency.  Our design team works in AutoCAD and Revit for precision planning, and we offer full shop drawings for complete sizing, fit, and approval for client visualization. Blending of old-world craft and modern technology makes Gepetto Millworks a leader in both restoration and new construction projects. From conceptual design through installation, Gepetto Millworks offers a collaborative and professional approach. Our window specialists consult on site-specific challenges, whether it’s ensuring a bowed window maintains the correct radius or replicating a Gothic arch to meet preservation board standards.

We welcome:

Craftsmanship Rooted in Virginia History

Round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed windows have each played a defining role in Virginia’s architectural evolution. At Gepetto Millworks, we honor that legacy with handcrafted windows built to exacting standards. Whether you’re restoring a Federal period home with elliptical overlights, adding a bowed window to a turreted Victorian, or installing a fully round window as a dramatic focal point, our team are Virginia natives that live in and pass by the history that has made us each day.  Call Matt direct at 804.938.2097 to schedule your project into the pipeline. Reach out today to bring historical accuracy and artisanal detail to your project.

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Romanesque Architectural Door and Window Builder

Virginia Federal Period Doors & Millwork

Virginia Federal Period Doors & Millwork

The Federal Period, spanning from the late 18th to the early 19th century, was a crucial era in American architecture that saw the emergence of distinct design elements and principles. In Virginia, during this period, homes became symbols of refined taste and elegance, reflecting the influence of Neoclassical ideals. One of the key architectural features that encapsulates the essence of Federal style homes in Virginia is the front door entryway.

The front door entryway of a Federal period home in Virginia was meticulously designed to embody the principles of balance, symmetry, and classical motifs. Elliptical fanlights and sidelights were popular components of these entryways, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. The use of ellipses in the windows was not merely decorative but also served a functional purpose by allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the entrance hall.

Windows spanning two sidelights became a distinctive hallmark of Federal style architecture in Virginia. The arrangement of these elements was carefully orchestrated to achieve visual harmony. The elliptical fanlight positioned above the door, along with the sidelights on either side, created a balanced and symmetrical composition. This adherence to symmetry was influenced by Neoclassical principles, which sought inspiration from classical Greek and Roman architecture.

The choice of elliptical windows was not arbitrary; it was rooted in the classical language of architecture. The ellipse, with its graceful curves, echoed the elliptical arches prevalent in ancient Roman structures. This classical reference was a deliberate attempt to evoke a sense of timelessness and cultural continuity. The use of classical motifs was a defining characteristic of Federal style architecture, as it sought to establish a connection with the ideals of ancient civilizations.

As we delve into the specifics of these front door entryways, it’s essential to acknowledge the craftsmanship that brought these designs to life. Gepetto Millworks, situated in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, played a pivotal role in manufacturing the intricate components of Federal period homes in Virginia. The artisans at Gepetto Millworks were adept at translating architectural drawings into finely crafted wooden elements, bringing authenticity and precision to each piece.

Gepetto Millworks embraced the architectural principles of the Federal period, ensuring that their creations adhered to the standards of balance and proportion. The ellipses in the windows were meticulously carved, and the sidelights were crafted with precision to complement the overall symmetry of the entryway. The choice of materials, often hardwoods like mahogany or cherry, added a touch of luxury to these architectural elements.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, with their natural beauty and serene landscapes, provided an inspiring backdrop for the artisans at Gepetto Millworks. Surrounded by such scenic vistas, the craftsmen found motivation to infuse a sense of craftsmanship and artistry into each piece they produced. This connection to nature and the local environment contributed to the unique character of the architectural elements manufactured by Gepetto Millworks.

Federal Period Doors & Millwork Produced Locally in Virginia

The Federal period in Virginia was marked by a departure from the ornate styles of the preceding Georgian era. Federal architecture embraced simplicity, symmetry, and a reliance on classical motifs. The front door entryways, with their elliptical fanlights and sidelights, epitomized these principles. The ellipses in the windows, while serving a functional purpose, also added a touch of grace and sophistication to the overall design.

Symmetry was a fundamental aspect of Federal architecture, and the front door entryway was no exception. The placement of the elliptical fanlight at the center, flanked by two sidelights, created a balanced and harmonious facade. This commitment to balance was not only an aesthetic choice but also a reflection of the intellectual currents of the time, which valued order and proportion.

The classical motifs found in Federal architecture were a deliberate homage to the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. The architects and craftsmen of this period sought to evoke a sense of timelessness by drawing inspiration from the classical past. The use of ellipses in the windows, reminiscent of Roman arches, was a clear nod to the enduring legacy of classical architecture.

Gepetto Millworks, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, embraced these principles in their manufacturing process. The artisans at Gepetto understand the importance of precision and attention to detail in creating authentic Federal period architectural elements. The choice of materials, combined with skilled craftsmanship, resulted in front door entryways that not only adhered to the architectural principles of the time but also showcased the natural beauty of the wood.  In the federal period we see the impact of the deployment of machine labor to wood allowing for the explosion in trim and styling of some of the ornate libraries, entry halls, staircases and the ever present focal point of the front door.

In addition to the visual appeal, the front door entryways of Federal period homes in Virginia also served a functional purpose. The elliptical fanlights above the doors allowed ample natural light to enter the entrance hall, creating a welcoming and well-lit space. This consideration of both form and function reflected the pragmatic yet elegant sensibilities of Federal architecture.

As we admire these front door entryways, it’s worth noting that Federal style architecture in Virginia was not confined to grand mansions. The principles of balance, symmetry, and classical motifs permeated homes of various sizes and scales. Whether in urban townhouses or rural estates, the front door entryway became a focal point, signaling the taste and sophistication of the inhabitants.

The front door entryways of Federal period homes in Virginia stand as enduring examples of architectural excellence. The ellipses in the windows, spanning two sidelights, showcase a commitment to classical principles of balance and symmetry. Manufactured by Gepetto Millworks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, these architectural elements embody a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for the Neoclassical ideals of the Federal period. As we continue to study and celebrate the architectural legacy of this era, the front door entryways remain iconic symbols of a bygone time, preserving the elegance and grace of Federal style architecture in Virginia.

The elliptical fanlight, positioned above the front door, is a key feature that distinguishes Federal period homes in Virginia. This design choice goes beyond mere aesthetics, as the ellipse itself is a shape laden with historical and cultural connotations. Inspired by the elliptical arches of ancient Roman architecture, the use of ellipses in the windows pays homage to classical ideals. It serves as a visual link to the timelessness of classical civilizations, emphasizing a connection to the intellectual and cultural heritage of the past.

The elliptical fanlight also plays a crucial role in welcoming natural light into the entrance hall. This functional aspect aligns with the practical sensibilities of the Federal period. The desire for well-lit interiors was not only an aesthetic preference but also a manifestation of the period’s interest in creating inviting and hospitable spaces. The soft, diffused light streaming through the elliptical fanlight contributes to the overall ambiance of the entryway, making it a warm and inviting focal point.

Complementing the elliptical fanlight are the two sidelights positioned on either side of the front door. This symmetrical arrangement enhances the visual balance of the entryway, a hallmark of Federal architecture. The sidelights serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They allow additional light to enter the interior, further illuminating the entrance hall and creating a sense of openness. Moreover, the sidelights contribute to the grandeur of the facade, framing the entrance in a way that accentuates its significance.

The combination of the elliptical fanlight and the two sidelights creates a harmonious trio, each element enhancing the other’s impact. The ellipse, with its graceful curves, contrasts with the vertical lines of the sidelights, creating a dynamic visual interplay. This contrast adds a layer of complexity to the design, elevating it beyond a mere exercise in symmetry. The play of light and shadow on the intricate detailing of the fanlight and sidelights enhances the depth and richness of the overall composition.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these architectural elements convey a narrative of cultural refinement and intellectual sophistication. The use of classical motifs, such as the elliptical arch, suggests a deliberate engagement with the philosophical and artistic ideals of antiquity. The Federal period was a time of intellectual curiosity and a desire to establish a distinct American identity that drew inspiration from the classical world. The front door entryway, with its unique combination of elements, became a canvas for expressing these ideals.

Gepetto Millworks, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, played a crucial role in bringing these unique design elements to life. The craftsmen at Gepetto understood the significance of the elliptical fanlight and sidelights in Federal period architecture. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to traditional craftsmanship ensured that each piece produced reflected the authenticity and elegance of the era.

In conclusion, the combination of the elliptical fanlight above the front door and the two sidelights flanking it represents a distinctive and iconic feature of Federal period homes in Virginia. This architectural ensemble goes beyond its visual appeal; it embodies the intellectual aspirations of the time, drawing inspiration from classical traditions. The play of light, the balance of forms, and the craftsmanship involved in creating these elements contribute to the enduring legacy of Federal style architecture. As we appreciate these front door entryways, we not only glimpse into a specific historical period but also witness the timeless beauty of design principles that continue to shape the look & flavor of our great Virginia Cities from Norfolk, Alexandria, to Charlottesville and Richmond.

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federal style doors made to order virginia
federal style doors made to order virginia
federal style doors made to order virginia

Arch, Round Top, and Radius Window Builder

Arch, Round Top, and Radius Window Builder

Round & Arc Top Windows

Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods

Gepetto craftsmen have been restoring windows with half-round lights above the window or full arc keystone panes (pictured in next photo) for over 15 years.  Restoration of water rot or damaged sashes, or completely new solid wood replication to fit your historic Virginia home or church.  Gepetto uses a mixture of modern shop tools and hand assembly to speed the building process.  Historic homes of the 18th and 19th century relied heavily on the natural light from windows as remember it was either candles or oil lamps for light after the sun had hit the horizon.

Made with Love in the Blue Ridge Gepetto Craftsmen supply plantation house, row house, and all manner of 18th and 19th centrury historic replica windows.  Specifically hard to find are craftsmen skilled and trained to replicate or repair uniquely shaped round windows or upper window panes of various arc lengths.

 

Rounded Top Replica Historic Windows

Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built

If you are a homeowner who needs window service, it’s best to bring in a local contractor because Gepetto acually supplies local contractors.  If your local contrator or handyman seems shy to work with your historic wooden windows, have them give Matthew a call and we’ll be glad to assure them of the skills or techniques they would need to have the hardware fabricated at our millwork shop, and installed by them locally.  Our craftsmen are generally millwrights and while they can install windows, it’s simply not time efficient for us as most general contractors can do a good job.

Arch & Radius Arc Wooden Window Builder

Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built

Historically Accurate Round Windows

Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods

Arc top classic southern historic window builder supplying replacement windows from our Virginia shop.  Built by hand to historic standards and matching solid wood mortise and tennon construction of the original windows.  Whether it’s a specific wood rot, that just needs some restoration we can replace anthing from a section to the whole window.  Bring in a single sash to our shop in the blue ridge and we’ll gladly restore it by hand.  We have also handled large scale commercial restorations supplying as many as 900 sashes (450 windows and frames) to a single building historic restoration.

Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods
Historic Church Restoration Wooden Doors & Decorative Elements
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built to Order or Restored in Virginia by local craftsmen with historically accurate methods
Arch & Round Top Radius Wooden Windows Custom Built

Round Window Builder Virginia

Complex Historic Window Restoration Contractor

Complex Historic Window Restoration Contractor

The Facts About Historic Windows

  1. Repairable – Historic wood windows are designed to be easy to repair. Unlike replacement windows where the whole window unit must often be replaced or factory repaired if an issue arises, historic windows can be repaired piecemeal. Each individual piece can be repaired, restored or replaced quite simply by the homeowner or local tradesman.
  2. Upgradable – Your old windows may or may not have weatherstripping, but if they don’t you can easily add it and dramatically increase their efficiency.
  3. Simple to Maintain – Keep your old windows painted. That’s it! With some paint every decade or so you can keep them protected and safe for a long, long time.
  4. Resilient – Being made from old-growth lumber these windows (when properly maintained) ca last for several centuries unlike replacement windows today which are obsolete within just a few years.
Handmade wooden windows painted red

Handmade wooden windows in historic barnwood facing

Window replacement contractors have stated on home improvement forums that 80% of their current window business is replacing replacement windows.

Most windows being replaced are only 15-20 years old!

All those homeowners that fell for the “window scheme” and removed their original 50, 100, 150 year old wood windows for these new replacement windows, now have the expense of doing it again and again. It just goes to show you how easy a homeowner can fall for a sales pitch!

Tough luck for those homeowners. It’s not that there was no information available about preserving old windows. It’s not that they were unaware that wood needs to be maintained. If the condition of their old window was beyond repair – that is demolition by neglect! If you neglect something then you have a bigger expense and that goes for anything.

New Construction Wooden Windows  in a Barn-wood Faced custom wall with archtecurally featured backlight.

New Construction Wooden Windows in a Barn-wood Faced custom wall with archtecurally featured backlight.

Complex Historic Window Restoration

Historic Wooden Windows Built on Arc

Historic Wooden Windows Built on Arc

Historic Wooden Windows Built on Arc

Historic Wooden Windows Built on Arc

Black History Museum Richmond VA Arced Window Sashes

Historic Wooden Windows Built on Arc

Historic Wooden Windows Built on Arc

Historic Window Restoration Contractor Northern Virginia

Complex Historical Window Restoration Virginia

Complex Historical Window Restoration Virginia

Wooden Windows Built in Curved Wall

Complex Historical Window Restoration Virginia

Complex Historical Window Restoration Virginia

Curved Sash Wooden Window Construction

Curved Window Sashes | Historic Restoration Windows

Curved Window Sashes | Historic Restoration Windows

Wooden Windows in Round Brick Turret

Historic Windows Built in an Arc

It’s not unusual in neighborhoods
throughout the city to see older wood
windows stacked at the curb. Rather than
restore the windows, property owners usually
replace them, often with vinyl windows.
Rochester is now among cities and towns
across the country reviewing its ordinance
regarding vinyl replacement windows. It’s
a hot topic among preservationists that is
attracting broader public attention.
The city’s Preservation Board is
considering developing a set of windowrelated
guidelines to its ordinance regarding
the approval of certificates of appropriateness.
Owners of city-designated landmarks or
properties located in a city preservation
district are required to obtain a CofA before
almost any exterior change is made. There is a
$100 application fee for the CofA.
The ordinance would continue to apply
only to city-designated landmarks and
preservation district properties, but the
new guidelines would deter the use of vinyl
replacement windows. And board members
would offer alternatives to vinyl.
The change would be significant. While it
would impact a relatively small and distinct
group of properties, Rochester’s approach
is being closely watched by communities
around the state. And the Preservation Board
is considering a series of additional guidelines
to apply to things such as landscapes.
But at a meeting last week, Preservation
Board members seemed far from reaching
a consensus on what the new windows
guidelines should say. Some members said
they were worried about approving a set
of guidelines that are too rigid because
the controversy over vinyl windows is
complicated and multifaceted.
But Peter Siegrist, the city’s preservation
planner, says the guidelines should be as
explicit as possible. Something with a lot of
exceptions, he says, will just bog down the
approval process and create confusion.
“There’s going to be a tremendous
public outcry if that happens,” he says.
“We’ve got to be clear.”
Siegrist will prepare in the next few
weeks a draft of the guidelines for board
members to review.
Many of the city’s buildings — residential
and commercial — are older and have
windows that need attention. Vinyl
replacement windows are popular because
they are relatively cheap and easy to install.
Educating consumers about the value of
restoring older wood windows is important,
says Cynthia Howk, architectural research
coordinator for the Landmark Society of
Western New York. While the city’s CofA
ordinance doesn’t apply to all property owners,
she says, everyone should know their options.
“Windows are a major and significant
feature of any building,” Howk says.
“There’s no question that replacing older
wood windows with vinyl windows greatly
diminishes the character of an older property.”
Restoring older windows can also
increase property values, she says.
The Landmark Society has been guiding
the Preservation Board on a window policy.
The Society strongly opposes the use of
vinyl replacement windows.
But many property owners are
intimidated by the necessary repairs and
upkeep of older windows. The work can be
difficult, time-intensive, and require the help
of an experienced window repair person, said
John Schick, architect and Preservation Board
member, at last week’s meeting.
And finding a knowledgeable craftsperson
to do the work can be problematic, he said.
Highly qualified restoration people do
exist in the Rochester area, Howk says, but
they aren’t well-known. And their work takes
time, she says, and may seem costly compared
to installing a vinyl window.
Getting consumers to think about the
long-term investment they’re making might
ease some of their worries, Howk says.
“We’re talking about the difference between
a wood sash — the part of the window that
holds the glass — which has provided decades
of service, compared to vinyl windows that
may not even last a decade,” she says.
But many property owners see heavily
painted windows that won’t open or close,
Howk says, and they incorrectly assume that
the windows can’t be restored.
Vinyl replacement windows can seem like
a low-cost solution, she says, but durability
isn’t assured. Many vinyl window products are
designed to last about 20 years, Howk says, but
often begin to deteriorate sooner. And unlike
wood windows which are made with replaceable
parts, when a vinyl window breaks, the whole
window usually needs to be replaced.
Even newer wood replacement windows
are often constructed with softer, less durable
lumber, Howk says, while the wood used
in historic windows is much harder. That
wood is usually from old growth forests, she
says, and with proper care, Howk says, the
windows can last indefinitely.
But discouraging the use of vinyl replacement
windows is not just a matter of protecting
the aesthetics of older properties. There
are serious environmental and economic
considerations, too.
Fossil fuels are a key component in vinyl
windows. And the old wood windows are
typically sent to landfills if they aren’t reused.
Energy-saving claims are a major
selling point for vinyl window retailers and
contractors, but a local expert says those
claims are often skewed.
“Yeah, typically a new window will
perform better than an old leaky window,”
says Steve Jordan, a local historic preservation
consultant. “But you can take an old window,
weather strip it, clean it up, and put a storm
window on it, and it will perform just as well
and sometimes better than a new window.”
Jordan says he doesn’t want to indict the
whole window industry, because “a lot of
companies make a good quality replacement
window, but frequently they’re not ones
people usually buy.”
Lead-contaminated paint is another
concern for property owners, says Caitlin
Meives, preservation planner with the
Landmark Society. Vinyl windows are often
promoted as a quick solution, she says,
but it’s a bit of a false reassurance. Much of
the contaminated paint remains after the
replacement window is installed, she says. And
the wood window with lead paint is usually
dumped and contaminates another site.
“We’re asking people to take a step back and
take a deep breath, because there are proper
abatement options available,” Meives says.
But consumer confusion about vinyl
replacement windows compared to
restoration of historic wood windows is
understandable. State and federal incentives
through tax credits, grants, and low-interest
loans seem to send property owners different
messages. Tax credits and other incentives are
offered to property owners who replace old
windows with energy-saving vinyl windows.
There are similar incentives that can be
used to restore old wood windows, but it takes
a little research to find them. If people fail to
take advantage of the incentives, Siegrist says,
the government will discontinue the programs,
which is why consumer education is important.
Owners of large commercial properties
may pose the biggest challenge for the
Preservation Board.
An older single-family home, depending
on its size, may have 30 to 50 windows.
But a large apartment building in one
of the city’s preservation districts may have
500 or more wood windows, and restoration
would require a formidable investment.
“I would tell them that they usually have to
paint and clean carpets when a tenant moves
out,” says consultant Jordan. “That’s a good
time to repair the windows in that unit. And it
makes the costs much more manageable.”
Still, some Preservation Board members are
concerned about creating restrictive guidelines,
especially during a difficult economy. What
difference would it make, one board member
asked, if a vinyl window is used in the back of
a building facing a parking lot?
But Howk says taking shortcuts is not
the answer.
“Once those wood windows have been
removed, they’re probably lost forever,” she says.

Complex Historic Window Restoration