How to Care for Your Period Style Home: Part 3
In part one of this three-part blog series, I discussed roofing. In part two, I talked about gutters and foundations. In this third and final part, you can read about windows and doors.
Protecting the Integrity of Your Historic House
Windows & Doors
Using the appropriate style of windows and doors for a historic home is one of the smartest ways to protect its architectural integrity and market value. Whenever possible, restore, or repair the original windows and doors. If that is not possible, use the same window style, material, and mullion pattern that the house would have been built with. For example, if your home has wood double-hung windows with six panes in the top sash and six panes in the bottom sash, it is advisable to replicate this and not replace the old window with a vinyl casement window that has one large glass pane. If you need to waver from the original historic design, consult with a local historic preservation office or an architect knowledgeable about a home’s historical architectural style.
Where doors are concerned, it is advisable to use the same style and material found in the original house. Do your doors have four, five, six, or eight panels? Do your doors have flat or raised panels? Each style speaks to its time and period. Making the wrong choice can hurt your home’s market value.
With a bit of research, and some expert advice, you can make the right choices for the maintenance and care of your historic house. And you can be confident the remodeling is tasteful and appropriate for your home!
Want to Learn More?
Browse our website and photo gallery to learn more about our remodeling services—and the different home styles—and feel free to contact us for an initial consultation if you’re interested in remodeling.
Remember—if you want a detailed source regarding the preservation of your historic home, review the National Park Service guidelines: The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings
About Architect Bruce Wentworth
Wentworth was founded by Bruce Wentworth, AIA, a noted remodeling architect who has worked in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for over twenty years. He has built hundreds of his own designs, ranging from modest bungalows to large-scale luxury residences.
Read the rest of Bruce’s bio.
