Raising the Dickens Over Replacement Windows (Again)

Dear Readers: Although it's not my normal practice to recycle old columns, I wanted to harp again on one of my favorite pet peeves. This column from two years ago said it best-and judging from the many responses both pro and con, we uncovered a bit of a controversy. I'd like to know what you think…

Dear Pat,
We plan to add on to our bungalow in the future, but we need to get our house in better shape first. Our concern for now is the windows: they rattle in the wind and leak cold air all winter. Most of the sash cords are missing, so we keep them raised with sticks in the summer. You mentioned in a past column that window replacement doesn't get a high return when selling, but we'd like to get your thoughts on our situation, especially since we plan to stay here.
---Counting the Kids' Fingers

Dear Counting,
First things first: close your windows right now! Go to the hardware store, buy the little metal thingies (called window controls or sash controls) which, when slipped judiciously between sash and frame, will prevent your windows from cleaving the fingers of the innocent. It's true, I have voiced misgivings in the past about the oft-unnecessary installation of replacement windows, yet I don't want to be known as the Madame DeFarge of real estate!

Now, on to the long-term problem. Your least expensive option is to reglaze and refinish the windows, install new sash cords and weather stripping. Along with decent-quality storm windows, this rehabilitation may well leave you nearly as comfortable as new thermopanes could. Big bonus: by preserving the original windows you may be actually enhancing your real estate value. Today, buyers reward the restorer's efforts more than ever before, with original materials held in high regard, as housing and furniture tastes look back to sturdy Craftsman and Mission styles.        

It's hard to keep smiling when I walk into a lovely old bungalow, rich with natural wood, and see its simple coherence marred by new white vinyl windows. But new windows have their advantages; and if you can afford them, the better grades of new windows offer architectural integrity and beauty as well as functionality. True divided lights (very expensive) or simulated divided lights (look similar, less expensive) can very nearly duplicate the windows you are replacing-but in all cases, you must use wood, not vinyl. Wood can be stained and varnished on the inside, so it conforms to the rest of your millwork as it acquires the patina of age. Outside, you can paint it to create an accent of color, and change it over the years-just like we've always been able to do-but without the job of re-glazing since there is no putty to deteriorate.

So if you're willing to dig deep, Counting, a quality new wood window can keep you warm and your children whole-but if you're willing to spend the time learning how to recondition your present windows, you can accomplish most of the same things, at a fraction of the expense. I'm sure you'll do the right thing. Good luck!