When a homeowner decides to replace the windows in their home it is advantageous that they thoroughly consider all options available. Many times it is common place to sell the homeowner just a window, a simple double hung that fits in a hole in the wall. White, double pane and usually energy star rated is the bare bones window. For some more modern homes aesthetic works. Yet many of the homeowners that approach this will have older homes that still have original windows from prior to WWII. These windows were not standard compared to the windows in modern homes. These windows take special attention to truly configure accurately and appropriately. Muntin configuration is especially important as this element is different between architectural period and style. Since original windows were wood framed we must also take special care to match the trim for historic integrity. There are many color options in vinyl replacement windows that can help to achieve an original look while still achieving high energy conservation ratings. In all homes we suggest matching interior vinyl to your trim whether it is painted wood or original stained wood. We offer a variety of wood grain options. We are working on being able to offer painted vinyl to you, our customer.
Mid-Century Modern and Ranch style homes were built starting in the 1940 s and continued to the late 1970 s. These homes feature horizontal lines, few windows and lack symmetry. The roofs were usually side gabled and the home did not have a finished attic. Sometimes these homes are split-level. Visually these homes look best with smaller segments of windows rather than the large picture window and double-hung type windows that are generally featured. The original muntin was a mix of all prior styles. Using casement, awning, sliding and clerestory windows to break up the areas is a wise choice. Many of these home also featured double side lites on the front entryway but a way to achieve balance would be to use one side lite since these homes are asymmetrical. We sell these window options in any configuration desired. The special thing about replacing these windows is the freedom that the homeowner has in really reinventing the home upon update.
From the 1900 s to the 1940 s a few types of homes were built that exemplify the best in American design. These homes go by the name American Foursquare and Craftsman. The Arts and Crafts movement was integrated into both the American Foursquare and the Craftsman style yet they are distinctly different. The foursquare was a tall box that was simple yet elegant with rich woodwork and built-in cabinetry in the Arts and Crafts style, but had simple double-hung windows that usually had colonial grid muntins or craftsman grid muntins. A variety of the arts and crafts window was a prairie style muntin. That was more decorative than the others that were available and created a framing effect. These homes had sidelites and transoms but usually did not have a very ornate window of any sort. The windows were functional and were used to light the areas of the home naturally. Every staircase would have a window over a landing, even closets and pantries. True Craftsman homes were smaller and were sometimes referred to as bungalows. These homes had similar window aesthetics as the American Foursquare. Occasionally they used cottage style sashes (larger bottom than top) to unify the facade visually with unequal sized double-hung windows. Updating these windows would mean staying loyal to the original configurations. They created balance in the house and are ever important for adding value. If you don t know the original configuration of lites a simple rule of thumb would be to not add lites in the bottom pane, only the top and to keep it simple. A 4 over 1 or 8 over 1 was very standard for the normal sized windows (which are not normal in any way). The picture windows commonly had transoms of multiple lites so if you see a space above a window, it would be best to add a few lites for visual interest. Do not use stained glass, as that was not going to be found in these homes except in the very rare for this style feature window. These window configurations rely more on appropriate color choice than muntin configuration. Matching outside trim is a way to unify the façade and add value to these homes. As the muntin configuration is pretty basic a simple way to dress up the window is an 8 over 1 with the top row ¼ the length of the sash and the bottom row ¾ the length. This adds the feel of the cottage style while keeping the ability to have a double hung window. Another unique and beautiful option we have available is a 4 over 1 with 4 side by side instead of stacked in a box.
The Colonial Revival homes of 1880-1950 were different in many ways, including lacking full front porches. They chose to have a sunroom as a version of an outdoor living area. It is important to note that these homes had symmetrical windows that occurred paired very commonly. The muntins were also thicker than in other home styles. These homes also boasted appropriately sized shutters that were functional. We can recreate your Colonial Revival windows using simple 6 over 6 or 9 over 9 configurations. These windows are the easiest to configure as they traditionally have little flourish. Occasionally they are multipane over single pane. These muntins are generally thicker. This house style tends to have white trim. A basic double hung with specialized muntin configurations is an appropriate choice. The Tudor Revival of 1890 to about 1940 featured beautiful sloping lines and more ornate windows than the Arts & Crafts or Colonial Revival homes. Casement windows with diamond muntins were popular and often recessed. These homes had the feel of warmth that was prominent in the Arts & Crafts movement that was happening at the time. We offer multiple colors of vinyl to compliment your historic home. Our new South Dakota Brown, for example, would be the perfect choice for this style. Paired with casements and diamond muntins a historically accurate yet energy efficient restoration is possible. The dark color will keep true with giving the windows a deep, recessed look. We can also recreate the tall, narrow multi-lite windows with ease. Completing your job with interior wood grain vinyl options will showcase the woodwork without losing character.
Victorian Queen Anne homes were built from 1880-1910 and were designed to excess. Many of these styles featured eclectic features and no two are exactly the same, flourishes were extremely common. There are two categories, the spindlework or free classic subtypes. The spindlework had lacy woodwork (gingerbread) and ornately carved porch spindles. Free Classic subtypes had solid columns grouped in pairs or trios and sometimes had dentils. These homes favored stained glass accent windows and a 2 over 2 or 1 over 1 lite configuration. Sets of mulled windows were common and drew visual interest. The Queen Anne also used feature windows to light landings of stairways. Shutters would not be used on any of the windows. These homes can be updated in a variety of ways to restore original aesthetics or pay homage yet modernize the home. We can recreate the stained glass feature/ accent windows commonly found in the Queen Anne. Many of these homes look beautiful with white, beige or sand tone as these homes were light and bright by nature. In all homes we suggest matching interior vinyl to your trim whether it is painted wood or original stained wood. We can have the vinyl painted to match and we offer a variety of wood grain options. We offer many different muntin configurations. Muntins are sometimes referred to as grids. Early windows were comprised of small panes of glass arranged inside astragals (wooden lattices). The reason for this technique lies in the glass making technology of the time. Large panes of glass could not be created to full window size thus making smaller panes pieced together in this fashion the only window option. This is evident in looking at home styles prior to the mid-19 th century. Multiple lites (individual panes of glass) are still used decoratively and played a large role in expressing different period styles. Many homeowners do not have original images of their homes but would like to honor the grace bestowed on their abode by their architect and builder. This attractive and complimentary style is available for all of our windows (xcept storm). Multiple configurations are available with varying colors and layouts. New technology allows us to insert the muntin between panes of glass which keeps it from deteriorating due to weather conditions and allows the homeowner to easily clean the surface of the glass. For further guidance visit http://www.vinylume.com/historically-correct-replacement-windows to view the entire article. Feel free to call us at 330.799.2000 or email amber@vinylume.com for a print copy.