Windows
Wood Frame Windows
By the 1800’s wooden casement windows were commonplace in both residential and commercial building. When we think of these windows today, if they have survived, it conjures images of rotting wood, peeling paint, broken glass, and general decay.
In the 19th century fire codes became commonly adopted to protect buildings and their inhabitants. With fire codes and the Industrial Revolution, wooden windows in commercial buildings began to be replaced with rolled steel windows. Although commercial applications were moving to steel windows, residential homes kept the wooden windows. After WWII, wooden windows would begin to see their demise in the residential world with the introduction of aluminum windows. Towards the end of the 20th century the wooden window would fall victim to the introduction of vinyl windows.
Vinyl and aluminum windows were promised to be more energy efficient, cheaper, and offered minimal maintenance. While some of these claims were true in the short term, in the long term, it is not always the case. Aluminum windows were not as strong and needed a bulkier frame. Vinyl windows would often discolor and begin to degrade over time. Both aluminum and vinyl options would often need to change the buildings original façade to make room for the new window. Often, changing the façade resulted in a loss of historic charm and architectural character.
Using historic techniques historic wooden windows can be completely restored to their former glory. Skyline offers many options for the restoration of historic windows. We are equipped to replicate the profile of just about any historic window using the same species of wood. It is sometimes even possible to repair the existing wood without completely rebuilding the frame using modern techniques.
With modern day primers and paints combined with regular preventative maintenance, historic windows can last another 100 years. Keeping the historic windows ensures a building’s intended architectural charm remains intact.
Metal Frame Windows
In the beginning metal framed windows were constructed by artists and typically adorned churches. Only having access to small panes of glass created the necessity for glazing bars/mutins. During the Industrial Revolution Sir Henry Bessemer developed the process for rolled steel windows in 1856. This led to steel windows being readily available by the 1890’s and gained favor in commercial the world. Commercial buildings benefitted to the security, size, and flexibility in design. In 1953 hot dip galvanizing was introduced to the steel window further adding to their ability to stand the test of time. Due to the customization of steel windows, there were many manufacturers making many different styles. In 1964, however, a set of profiles were standardized in the market. Today you can see many of these historic rolled steel windows still in place. If steel windows are regularly maintained, they can last another 100 years into the future.
While commercial windows continued their success in the commercial world, the residential world went a different direction. After wrought iron was fazed out Wooden windows became the favorable style in many homes.
“In it’s heyday, the steel window wasn’t a trend or fashion, it was a window of necessity.”
– Darren Joyce of Crittall Windows Ltd
Glass Replacement
Glass in windows stretches back to the time of the Romans. Throughout history, it has had many iterations, shortcomings, and advancements to get to our modern uses. Modern glass has many varieties available to fit almost any need. Often just replacing the glass in your old windows can improve the look and thermal capabilities. Even if your windows still have their historic glass, we can often source glass that is period correct for replacement. From tempered to thermal to tinted to historic we can help you make the right decision for your project.
Replica Windows
In the event of the window being a complete loss and in need of replacement there are options available to keep the historic character with modern convenience. The National Park Service has guidelines set in place to keep our historic buildings and homes accurate. Modern window makers such as Quaker and Pella have developed aluminum clad wooden windows to historic specifications that will match the NPS expectations of historic accuracy. The exterior of the window is aluminum to protect from weather and the elements while keeping the wooden window benefits. These windows are typically combined with low-e glass for better thermal regulation. Often these windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet most project needs. These window makers have also recognized the need for steel windows to be replicated and have delivered. Modern convenience with historic charm on a commercial building is a benefit to the curb appeal and the bank account. No matter your window needs, commercial, residential, or somewhere in-between, the solution is out there, and Skyline would like to help you make your hopes a reality.