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Restore or Replace Commercial Windows?

10/31/2023

Older windows suffer from various problems, such as deteriorating putty, air and water leaks, and undesirable transfer of cold or heat. These issues, coupled with their single-sheet glass construction, make them inefficient in terms of energy usage.

So, when is the right time to replace, rather than refurbish commercial windows that are experiencing such issues?

Energy efficiency and window performance are key factors in making this determination. Replacement becomes necessary when existing windows are not efficient or thermally broken, have thin or ineffective glass, or if old weather seals are compromised or missing. Additionally, if hazardous materials are present or the existing windows are beyond repair, replacing them becomes inevitable.

While restoring existing windows may seem feasible for most rehabilitation projects, it’s not always the most practical long-term solution. The refurbishing process improves the glass marginally but does nothing for the frame, which, in most cases, is not thermally insulated. This can significantly impact heating and cooling costs in buildings. Additionally, most frames cannot accommodate the width of modern insulating glass, resulting in unattractive exterior sightlines, as the muntin sightline nearly doubles the dimension.

Generally, the restoration process is more expensive than replacement, given the labor-intensive work involved. Abatement of hazardous materials such as lead, and asbestos also drives up costs. Therefore, a quality historic window replacement should be an exact replica of the original window while incorporating modern technology to meet current performance standards.

A quality historic window replacement should aim to replicate the original window and incorporate modern technology to meet current performance standards. It is important to note that the new window should also retain its attractive exterior sightlines, ensuring a seamless fit with the building’s design.

In conclusion, replacing or restoring windows can be costly but with the right considerations, it is possible to make the best decision. If you’re considering reusing a building, contact us for a quote and learn more about St. Cloud Window’s historic aluminum doors and windows.

At St. Cloud Window we know every project begins with a challenge or an idea of what a building might be. We bring that vision to life with our distinctive design aesthetics, precision performance, and design-to-delivery support. Learn more about how our products can deliver on your design objectives and site requirements here. Then, check out our full line of historic replica and acoustic window products, and get in touch for more details about any of our high-performing commercial window products.