Whether it is an ancestral house or an ancestral commercial building, renovating heritage is not easy. Why? Because heritage conservation is much more than a government measure. Heritage conservation is the recognition of an art and a know-how.
The urban panorama in Canada is marked by many architectural styles. A simple visit to the different boroughs in Montreal tells us a lot about their history. Ancestral architecture is full of details that are difficult to sacrifice when you want to adapt your new property to today's comfort.
On the other hand, history and architecture enthusiasts have only one thing in mind: maintaining the artifacts. In either case, homeowners inevitably embark on time-consuming renovations.
Tips for renovating an ancestral home
First, before renovating an ancestral house, make sure you know its status. Check with your municipality to see if the building you want to renovate has a special status. In Canada, several municipal councils are responsible for the conservation of architectural heritage, such as the Conseil du patrimoine de Montréal.
If your property is classified as a heritage building, it will be subject to a number of regulations related, among other things, to old windows.
Repairing old windows
Now let's get to the heart of the matter. It's not surprising that restoring your old windows is a priority in your renovation project. It is an element that can greatly improve your comfort and help you reduce your energy consumption, especially in the case of old windows.
Before considering the complete replacement of your windows, consider restoring them! This is a much less expensive and simpler alternative, especially for older homes. Opting for window restoration allows you to keep the original elements of the building, without having to comply with all the heritage standards.
Where to find repair services for old windows?
The Basco Windows and Doors team regularly works on heritage projects. Our experts are familiar with historic preservation reconditioning projects. Our window repair services have a proven track record for both commercial and residential customers. Find out how window repair can save you up to 70% on replacement costs.
Replace window glazing
If energy performance is your main concern, you can replace the original glass in your windows with thermopanes (or sealed units). Thermal pane replacement does not include the complete replacement of the windows including their frames. In other words, only the glass panes of your windows would be replaced to keep the original frames.
Installing thermopane windows is a wise investment that will save you money in the long run. Old windows in poor condition have poor insulating capabilities. They allow cold drafts to pass through, resulting in exorbitant energy bills.
To save on your heating bill, choose energy efficient windows. In addition to offering you greater comfort, energy-efficient windows will help you considerably reduce your ecological footprint. They are an added value to your older home.
Learn more about thermopane windows.
Replace the windows
Replacing the windows should be your last option. If your window frames are too damaged, then replacing them would be a good idea. It should be noted that ancestral homes and buildings often have windows with wooden frames and therefore require regular maintenance. It is not uncommon for them to have been neglected over time.
Replacing your windows with new wood frames allows you to preserve the authenticity of your property. However, a complete replacement for this type of window can be very expensive. This is why windows with PVC frames are more common.
Moreover, they are offered in an infinite variety of colors and/or can be painted according to the desired style. You can get a brown window frame that can give the illusion of wood. Or a gray or beige frame to match a stone façade.
It is also possible to choose a window model that fits the style of your building. However, it is advisable to avoid selecting models that are too modern in style. Instead, choose models that are reminiscent of the windows of the past. For example, French-style casement windows and English-style sash windows.
Often the original windows in ancestral homes are very small. If natural light is important to you, it is possible to enlarge the openings. However, keep in mind that any changes to the original foundation will require several heritage assessments. But don't worry, if you have any questions, the experts at Basco will be able to advise you.
Who to contact for the replacement of old windows?
"Solutions to old house problems are not found in the big box stores or at the local contractor. Very few people have the expertise in this area." - APMAQ President
It's not easy to find a contractor who has the necessary knowledge for this type of project. Fortunately, you can count on the expertise of Basco Windows and Doors. The challenges of heritage projects fuel our passion for windows.
Don't hesitate to call on our services!