[Greenbuilding] Green Retrofit Window Options

[Matthew Grove]

Dan,

Our firm has done several wood window restoration jobs and found that
when the sashes are still in place and in relatively fair condition, 
that it
is less expensive to repair than to replace them.  We have called for 
the
use of recycled wood for the replication of original sashes and at times
had to find the wood ourselves.

Also, there are insulated low-E glass panels that would fit into new 
wood
sashes that would give you a better performing window both thermally
and acoustically.

There are metal weatherstripping options for the jambs, sill, head and
meeting rail joints that will greatly reduce infiltration.  Go to 
Zero's website
at http://www.zerointernational.com/products/catalog/.  And on top of 
that,
you could look at either an interior or exterior storm window to get
even better results.  However, the storm will certainly detract from the
window's original appearance.

I applaud your efforts to restore the windows and rehang the weights.
Windows are often considered a disposable commodity and invariably
diminish the beauty of the building's architecture when removed.

Hope this helps.

Matthew W. Grove AIA
Grove & Dall'Olio Architects PLLC
304 267-2120