Lindus Construction’s COO, Andy Lindus gives expert advice on installing windows and decking in historic homes.
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Window Installation Tips for Historic Homes
When remodeling a historic home, it can be challenging to integrate new components, such as windows, that complement the home’s current fixtures and architecture. However, making conscientious decisions can dramatically increase the home’s resale value.
Many historic homes also benefit from the installation of skylights, which can allow additional natural light and ventilation. Another optimum solution is the installation of Infinity® from Marvin Windows. They are maintenance-free, but emulate the aesthetics of wood, with the company’s proprietary EverWood® Engineered Finish, which can be stained to match a home’s pre-existing woodwork. An added perk of Infinity® replacement windows is that the frame has the same expansion and contraction rates of the glass.
By contrast, many vinyl windows must be reinforced with metal and fiberglass inside the vinyl. Infinity® windows also offer exemplary ratings for solar heat gain. Optimum solar heat gain ratings are particularly important in the Midwest because as the sun gets lower in the horizon and sunlight starts to hit your windows, you’ll have solar heat gain in the wintertime. In the summer, when the sun is a little bit higher up in the sky, the sunlight will be reflected away, preventing your home from getting too hot.
Decking Tips for Historic Homes
Many historical homes are also accompanied with wood or treated lumber decks. While a treated lumber deck offers significant beauty to a home, substantial upkeep must be done in order to keep it looking its best. It’s worth noting that over time, treated lumber will take on gray tones, which can be warded off with a brightener/conditioner product.
When sealing a treated lumber deck, seek out a product that is made specifically for this deck type. A drawback of using a sealer is once you begin to use it, frequent applications will be necessary. This is because treated lumber has a lower penetration rate than wood. However, like wood, treated lumber decks can rot over time due to neglect.
Contact us today to get started on your next window or decking project.
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 8:30 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling or texting 651.461.9226.
