Replacing vs. Restoring?
Every historical replacement project starts with this question. While there are clearly valid motives for pursuing restoration, with the advent of Steel-Arte we suggest there is now a better way, one that addresses authenticity, functionality and cost of purchase and ownership.
Here are a few points to consider in making this decision:
- The overall cost of new windows is often less than restoration, and the end product is superior in energy performance, durability and operation.
- The cost of field labor to restore is higher than purchasing replica replacements.
- Old windows may appear sound but are often warped, corroded and non-functional resulting in air infiltration and poor thermal performance.
- Factory assembled windows are built to much higher tolerances than the original windows that were typically site built.
- New
windows are designed and fitted to the frame with weather-strip designs
that have been laboratory tested for performance. Field fitting of a
new sash in an old frame cannot replicate an engineered & tested
system.
- New windows can replicate the historic profiles
with the same sightlines and appearance but will deliver superior
thermal performance with state of the art glazing flexibility and
hardware functionality.
- New windows use advanced architectural coatings and finishes that cannot be replicated in a field applied restoration.