Why Preserve Wood Windows?

Historic wood windows are considered to be one of the important distinguishing characteristics of historic buildings and the protection of historic wood windows not only preserves an irreplaceable resource but are also cost-effective to the homeowner and are environmentally responsible.

The Historical Commission has gathered a lot of information for residents to review when considering whether to restore or replace their home's windows.
Three types of windows contribute to the character of the house at 253 Glen Road

Window Replacement Review

The Weston Historical Commission reviews window replacement under the Demolition Delay By-law and encourages homeowners to retain the original wood windows of the home, if at all possible. 

An excellent analysis of the importance and advantages of retaining wood windows can be found in Guidelines for Preservation and Replacement of Historic Wood Windows in Cambridge (PDF) prepared by Paul Trudeau for the Cambridge Historical Commission in 2009.

The author sums up the benefits of window restoration under three categories:
  • Sustainability
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Historic Character
The links and web pages below offer additional information regarding these three benefits to restoration, as well as a page of resources that include window repair companies and how-to articles for repairing old wood windows. Homeowners considering window replacement are encouraged to explore these articles.

Replacement vs. Restoration?

  1. Overview of Wood Windows: Tips from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (PDF)
  2. Making a case for Restoration v Replacement (PDF)
  3. Repair or Replace: A visual look at the impacts (PDF)
  4. 10 Reasons to Repair Old Windows (PDF)
  5. Top 10 Reasons to Restore or Repair Wood Windows (PDF)
  6. Window Types: A residential field guide (PDF)