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RESTORE & MAINTAIN WINDOWS DON'T REPLACE THEM • Replacement wood windows are made with new growth lumber that's not as strong or rot resistant as the old growth lumber used in windows made before the 1950s. • Insulated glass seals tend to fail in 2 to 6 years, thus allowing condensation between the panes. • Most insulated glass panels cannot be replaced once they fail. The entire window must be replaced. • Primary window sashes were never intended to take a direct hit from the weather. In years past they had shutters, and in later years, storm windows to protect them. • Air infiltration is the biggest energy issue with windows. Vinyl windows, by their nature, have weep holes in their bottom rail to let the moisture seep out, and this allows massive air infiltration. • PVC or vinyl is the most toxic substance manufactured today. It can't be recycled; off -gasses toxic fumes, and has excessive contraction and expansion issues. It fades, cracks, and has a maximum lifespan of 16 to 18 years. • Metal clad windows are designed to allow water to seep behind the cladding. This causes early rot of the lumber underneath. • The vinyl jamb liners that are needed for tilt -in windows have cheap spring balances and cheesy foam backing -that have a lifespan of about 6 to 10 years. • Double hung windows were invented in the 1400s as an air conditioning system. Lower the top sash and raise the lower sash. This lets the hot air and humidity out the top and brings the breezes in through the bottom. Most replacement units don't have a full screen to allow for this process. • Aluminum self -storing storm windows are not even a good windbreak. Metal conducts heat and cold, while wood insulated against heat and cold. • Sash weight pockets are only an insulation problem if a house has not been caulked and painted properly. • '/4 ", laminated glass has better UV protection than all the low -e coatings. It also approaches similar thermal capabilities as insulated glass, is more soundproof, is safer, and cost less than insulated glass. If retrofitting energy efficient glass into an old sash is something you feel must be done, install laminated glass. • Original window sashes are a part of the face of your old house or building. Replacements often have different dimensions, and sometimes the window replacement contractor wants to reduce the size of your openings. This has a negative effect on the overall texture and look of your building. • If you don't want to lift a finger to maintain or renovate your home, then hire a contractor to restore your windows. Your restored windows will cost less, have a better payback, be easily cleaned, have a nice track system, and stop air infiltration which means great energy efficiency. • Restored wood windows have another 100 -year economic life before total restoration is needed again. Replacement windows can never be restored effectively.