Owning a historic home is an immense honor, as well as a huge responsibility. You want to make sure that any renovations will stay true to the historic architectural look and character of your property, especially when it comes to replacement windows. 

Drafty, single-paned windows detract from your historic home’s value and don’t provide enough insulation. New windows that match the appearance of original historic windows will add value and optimize your energy efficiency. 

Double-Hung Windows 

Double-hung windows are a popular choice for new and replacement windows due to their beauty, versatility and customizable options. Their design allows homeowners to open both the top and bottom window sashes vertically, offering improved ventilation and access to sunlight without sacrificing privacy. 

The ability to easily tilt in both sashes simplifies cleaning, eliminating the need for ladders or outdoor maintenance. Their streamlined structure also offers safer cleaning from inside, an important consideration for older homes with young children and pets. 

Wood double-hung windows deliver timeless beauty and natural insulation properties — ideal for historic home owners prioritizing aesthetics and comfort. However, these windows require regular maintenance to avoid moisture damage and warping in Wisconsin’s climate. For more energy efficiency, vinyl windows offer a slim profile and multi-chambered frame that reduces heat transfer and lowers monthly utility bills. 

Divided-Lite Windows 

Many historic homes and commercial buildings have one-of-a-kind shaped windows. Whether it’s an octagon, star, or scalloped cutout, these unique shapes intensify the window’s personality and bring visual focus to the structure. These windows often require special attention during repair and replacement to preserve the integrity of their specialized shape. 

Divided lites also come in an almost endless variety of custom patterns, adding to the distinctive character of your home or building. Whether it’s an interior diamond pattern, a circular design, or an intricate alternating squares and rectangles, these patterns can link the window to historic details within the surrounding architecture or create a unique style statement all its own. 

Using targeted window repair to restore clarity and R-value is often less expensive than a full unit replacement and saves architectural integrity. It is a great option for Madison homeowners who value the durability of their older windows and want to increase energy efficiency. Using the proper window repair methods, Madison residents can keep their original wooden windows clear and efficient for decades to come.

Wood Windows 

Historic windows can add texture and depth to a home or building. They can also be as, or more, energy efficient than replacement windows. When repaired and maintained correctly, they can last for as long as the house or building itself. 

Many historic districts have stipulations and regulations about changing the color of the building or specific details like windows. An experienced architect or Marvin representative can help you navigate these regulations to find the best solutions for your historic property. 

Prior to 1900, most Wisconsin historic houses had double-hung window units. These windows had a top and bottom sash that operated with a simple rope, pulley and cast iron counter weight. They worked much like an early air conditioning system, allowing hot, humid air to escape through the top sash and cooler breezes to enter through the lower opening. This allowed a homeowner to save money on their energy bills during the summer. 

Composite Windows 

Windows are one of the most integral components to the overall character and beauty of historic houses. They connect the outside to the inside, are a visual marker of the house’s style, and can offer valuable clues about its history. Unfortunately, many homeowners jump to replace historic windows because a) companies promise that replacement will save them energy, and b) they hear it’s the “green” thing to do. 

Fortunately, there are alternatives to replacing historic windows that provide improved performance without jeopardizing their architectural integrity. Composite windows deliver the timeless, high-end look of real wood while boasting superior energy efficiency and elevated curb appeal. The best vendors for replacement windows, Windows in Wisconsin can replace historic windows and still provide energy efficiency. 

Composites are a better choice for Wisconsin’s climate, which is notorious for freezing winter temperatures and humid summers that can wreak havoc on standard window frames. They’re far more dimensionally stable than vinyl and are less susceptible to moisture damage that can lead to rot or mold. They also require minimal maintenance, making them a wise investment for homeowners looking to maintain the character of their home.