Do you love the charm of your old home but hate the drafts?
You're not alone. Many historic homeowners have the same dilemma. It looks great from the outside... but feels like a freezer every winter.
And that's conservative, considering only owner-occupied homes. Approximately 47% of owner-occupied homes in America were built prior to 1980. Today, the median age of those homes is 42 years old.
That's a LOT of old windows.
Here's the good news:
No longer do you have to sacrifice character for comfort. Triple glazed clad windows allow you to retain the original style of your property and still have the performance of a new build.
Time to dive in!
Inside This Guide:
Why Old Windows Hold Historic Homes Back
What Are Triple Glazed Clad Windows?
How To Keep Your Home's Classic Character
The Modern Performance Benefits
Renovation Mistakes To Avoid
Why Old Windows Hold Historic Homes Back
Old windows are lovely. From the bubbly glass to wood sashes to thin profiles... they make a historic home feel unique.
But they come with a catch.
Older windows typically had one pane of glass. Years of shrinkage, cracked putty and broken seals allow cold air to come in and warm air to escape.
Windows account for 25% to 30% of energy use for heating and cooling your home, the DOE says. If you live in a drafty older home, it can feel even worse.
That's money going straight out the window. (Literally.)
What Are Triple Glazed Clad Windows?
Triple glazed clad windows combine two smart ideas in one product.
Number one is the glass. Instead of one or two panes of glass, triple glazed windows have three. The space in between the glass is sometimes filled with argon or krypton gas. This provides two layers of insulation to resist heat transfer.
The second is called the cladding. So a clad window has a window with a warm wood frame on the inside and a durable weatherproof shell on the outside. The outside shell is typically aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass.
On historic homes, aluminum-clad wood windows can be the Goldilocks option. There's actual wood interiorly to complement original trim and millwork, but metal on the outside shields the frame from rot, rain and UV rays. Throw triple glazing into that frame and you've got a window that looks right and performs way better.
Pretty cool, right?
How To Keep Your Home's Classic Character
Here's the thing...
Installing a new window on an old house can look completely wrong when the details aren't correct. Making it look seamless is the objective. You want passersby to look at your home and not notice your windows are new.
Match The Original Sightlines
Sightlines are the widths that are seen of the frame and sash. Vintage windows usually have skinny, elegant sightlines. Bulky new frames look weird on a 1920s bungalow.
Take measurements of your current windows before you buy more. Look for slim frames that resemble what you already have.
Keep The Grille Pattern
Many older homes feature divided lites. These refer to small panes separated by slender wooden strips known as muntins.
If you have a six-over-six or fours-over-one pattern... don't mess with it! Simulated divided lites adhere grilles to the inside AND outside of the glass. From the road, they are nearly indistinguishable. And they are compatible with triple glazing!
Pick A Period-Correct Colour
Facade cladding is available in millions of colours. That spells fantastic news for old homes.
Victorian houses commonly featured darker greens, reds and browns. Colonial style homes tended to be white or cream. Coordinate the outside color to your house style and your windows will look great.
Talk To Your Local Historic Commission
This is the step lots of homeowners skip...
If you live in a historic district, you might have to get approval before replacing even one window. Historic districts often have strict guidelines on materials and profiles. Get in touch with your local commission sooner rather than later. It could save you a lot of time (and headaches) down the road.
The Modern Performance Benefits
Ok now for the good stuff. What triple glazed clad windows really do for your home.
Better Energy Efficiency
Three panes of glass trap far more heat than one. It also means your furnace runs less in the winter. And your air conditioner gets a rest in the summer.
ENERGY STAR estimates that ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights can save homeowners about 12% on their total energy bills when compared to non-certified products. In cold climates, triple glazing can increase these savings even further.
More Comfort In Every Room
Have you ever leaned against a drafty window in the winter and felt cold? That's called a cold draft.
Triple glazing keeps the inner pane much closer to room temperature. Fewer drafts, less condensation and a toasty feel right up to the glass.
A Quieter Home
Lots of historic houses are located in busy town centres. Those additional panes of glass and gas block out heaps of street noise.
Peace and quiet = a better night's sleep.
Less Maintenance
Original wood windows require scraping, painting and re-glazing every few years. Clad exteriors skip that headache entirely. Usually just a wash will do.
Renovation Mistakes To Avoid
Smart windows can fail you even if you get quality ones. Here's what to look out for if you rush your window project:
Picking the cheapest option: Budget windows can clash with historic details.
Skipping installation: Even a fantastic window won't perform if installed poorly. It will leak air. Don't trust just anyone. Find a professional that has experience installing in old homes.
Don't rip out original trim: Interior casings and sills are valuable. Have your installer wrap them in protection.
Forgot about weight: Triple glazed units weigh more. Ensure your frame and hardware can support the extra weight.
And here's one more thing to think about...
You don't have to replace all of your windows. If you still have some originals in good condition, restoration may be the best option. Many people restore the front-facing windows and replace the others.
The Final Word
Historic homes deserve protecting. But that doesn't mean living with drafts and high bills.
Get the best of both worlds with triple glazed clad windows. Timeless style on the outside. Contemporary performance on the inside.
To quickly recap:
Match sightlines, grille patterns and colours to your home's era
Check with your historic commission before you start
Choose triple glazing for comfort, quiet and energy savings
Done right, your home will look like it did a century ago and perform like it was built yesterday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are triple glazed clad windows worth it for an old house?
Yes, typically. They increase comfort, reduce drafts and energy loss, and require minimal maintenance compared to original wood windows.
Can you install triple glazed clad windows in a historic district?
Frequently, yes. However, each district has individual guidelines. Call your local historic commission prior to ordering anything to ensure that your style will be accepted.
