Types of Old Windows and When to Replace Them

You may have old windows if you live in a historic home or a house built over 50 years ago. These old windows might be beautiful and add to the architecture of your home, but they might also leak air, let water in, or lack full functionality.

Learn about the various types of old windows and when it's best to replace or repair them. If you live in a historic district, check to see if your historic association has guidelines before repairing or replacing your windows.

Sash or Hung Windows

Sash windows have one or more moveable parts that move up and down or side to side. They could be horizontal single- or double-hung windows or vertical sliding sash windows. Many old double-hung sash windows include counterbalancing weights on a rope or chain. The weights are hidden in the window frame or a small box. Most old hung or sash windows have wood frames. 

Antique Windows

If your home is at least 100 years old, you may have fixed glass with an antique-style frame and detailing. The panes may be beveled, stained, or patterned. Antique windows can include cut and tapered designs, different colors, or geometric shapes with leading. The glass may be bumpy or wavy and have slight variations in the glazing. These stunning vintage windows often add character to a home but can be in need of ongoing repairs.

Hinged Windows

Hinged windows are another type of old window, where the window has a vertical or horizontal hinge that allows you to open it outward. Most old hinged windows are casement windows, with hinges on one side.

Hinged windows come in a few different styles:

• Awning windows (hinge at the top)

• Hopper windows (hinge on the bottom)

• Tilt/turn windows (hinge on the side or at the bottom)

Corner Windows

Corner windows in old homes are two windows that meet at the seam of two walls. They allow light and air to enter the room from two angles. Corner windows are often in a dining room, family room, bedroom, or sunroom.

Specialty Windows

Some older and historic homes have specialty windows with a unique design, size, color, or shape. Specialty windows can add character and charm to your home. Old homes can have a variety of specialty windows, including the following popular styles.

Bay Windows

A bay window is a three-section window that projects outward from the walls of a home. The bay might have a seat or ledge built into it.

Picture Windows

A picture window is a large window made of a single pane of glass. It offers an expansive view of the outdoors and allows lots of natural light to enter a space. Picture windows are fixed, meaning they don’t open for ventilation.

Sidelights

Sidelights are vertical windows on either side of an entry door. They allow more light to fill your home and entryway but may have glazing or beveling for privacy. 

Skylights

Skylights are fixed or vented windows installed on the roof, allowing lots of natural light to enter your home from the ceiling. They can give a room a more expansive, open feel, but they must be properly sealed to prevent water damage in your home.

Palladian Windows

Palladian windows are a set of three windows with an arched center section that reaches above the two side ones. The two side windows are narrower rectangles with flat tops. 

Diocletian Windows

Diocletian windows are large semicircular windows that resemble the windows seen in the public baths of Ancient Rome. They often have three sections divided by two vertical mullions.

Lunette Windows

Lunette windows are semicircular or crescent-shaped windows that may be above a door or in a wall as a decorative piece. The word “lunette” comes from the French word “lune,” meaning moon. 

Oriel Windows

Oriel windows project out from the main wall of a building, often on an upper floor but sometimes on the ground level. They can create a rounded outcropping, adding to the exterior architecture. 

Eyebrow Windows

An eyebrow window is a single window or set of smaller windows that slope down on the edges to create a curved opening that resembles an eyebrow. Initially, they appeared on airplanes but also adorned some historic homes. 

Oculus Windows

An oculus window is a small circular or oval window. They often have decorative detailing or multiple panes. 

When to Restore Old Windows

You can repair some types of old windows if you have broken glass, minor air leaks, or a faulty component such as a lock mechanism. You can restore the window yourself or contact a local window repair company to preserve the quality and beauty of your old window. The cost to restore an old window ranges from $170 to $550 per window. Repairing your old windows might be enough, but a total replacement is sometimes a better long-term investment.

How to Restore Old Windows

Historic windows are made from old-growth wood, which gives them more strength and resistance to rot than modern wood windows. They also have charm that replacement windows can’t match. If you’re lucky enough to live in a home with old windows, restore them whenever you can. (If you’re worried about having energy-efficient windows, you can install storm windows on the outside, upgrade the weather stripping, and apply caulk to the seals, all while maintaining the old windows as they are.)

But how do you restore old windows? The easy answer is to hire a historic restoration contractor with experience in old windows. But if you’re interested in restoring old windows yourself, here’s how:

1. Determine the issue(s): Common issues with old windows include broken glass panes, broken sash cords, wood rot, or buildup of dirt, paint, and debris, which can hinder easy opening and closing.

2. Remove the window sashes: Be very careful, as you can easily damage the historic windows. You’ll need a utility knife to score the paint line for the bottom sash, as well as a crowbar and hammer to pry off the front stops of the window. You will also need to remove the screws and untie the knot in the sash cord to disconnect it. You’ll need to repeat these tasks for the top sash.

3. Clean the windows: Remove any paint and debris buildup on the windows and clean out the window jambs if they don’t open and close easily.

4. Inspect the components: Take time to inspect window components like the sash cord and sash balancer. Repair or replace any failing parts.

5. Replace individual panes of glass: Depending on the window, you may need to custom-order replacement glass. Only replace the glass if you have experience with this kind of work.

6. Address any wood rot: You can use a wood filler epoxy to address any wood rot issues in the window frame. After it dries, sand it down and stain it to match the window. If there’s more severe rot, you may need to replace entire sections of wood, which you can then stain to match. (You can theoretically paint historic wood windows, but for true charm, leave them in their natural tones!)

7. Install new weather stripping: To reduce drafts and energy loss, install new weather stripping by nailing it into the sash tracks.

8. Reinstall the window sashes: Once you’ve made the necessary repairs and cleaned the windows, you’ll need to reinstall the sashes and reknot the cords.

Each of these steps is a complicated process, with multiple sub-steps to consider. If you’re really serious about restoring old windows but have no experience, find a friend, family member, or window repair contractor with more experience who can walk you through a few windows so you can get the hang of it under their guidance.

When to Replace Old Windows

You should replace old windows in your home if they impact your home’s comfort, cause high utility bills, or don’t function how you want. Here are the main signs that it’s time to replace your old windows. 

1. Drafty Room

If air is leaking through your old windows, you may hear the wind whistling or feel cool wafting in. You can caulk the window seal or add weatherstripping to mitigate the air from leaking. If that doesn’t help, you may need to replace the window. 

2. Foggy Glass

Condensation can get trapped between panes of glass in double- and tripled-paned windows. You may be able to fix the issue by resealing the window, but it’s likely you’ll need to replace it altogether.

3. Soft Window Frames

Old wood frames can deteriorate over time due to exposure to moisture. When the framing rots, it feels soft to the touch. You’ll need to replace your windows to prevent further deterioration and water damage.

4. High Energy Bills

Old windows are rarely energy-efficient and can leak hot and cold air to the outside. If you have skyrocketing utility bills, a window replacement may be in your future.

5. Windows Don’t Open or Close 

If your windows get stuck, don’t close all the way, or are painted shut, you’ll likely need to replace your windows to restore their full functionality.

6. Water Leaks

If water is coming in through your windows, you should replace your windows to avoid water damage and mold growth in your home. 

7. Outdated Style

You may want to replace your old windows to enhance the style or make your home more modern. A positive side effect of window replacement is making your windows more energy-efficient. 

Replacing old windows protects your home from water damage, keeps your utility bills low, and increases your home’s value. New windows can also provide better ventilation and views to the outdoors. The average cost to replace old windows ranges from $175 to $620, though the price can be much higher for specialty windows such as bay or picture windows. Contact a local window contractor to ensure safe and proper installment.