When Maddy Krauss and her husband, Paul Friedberg, first saw their 1897 Shingle-style home, they immediately fell in love with its meticulously crafted turn-of-the-century construction, broad front porch, and enormous entry-hall staircase. The fact that many of the original architectural features, such as the wood panelling, exquisite carvings, stained-glass windows, and elaborate cast-bronze fireplace, were still present was also a source of great joy for them.
The windows told a different tale. The originals had been replaced ten years prior with cheap sash kits that were draughty, unsightly, and totally out of place in the elegant Victorian-era home, This Old House TV’s fall 2007 project in Newton, Massachusetts. To instal energy-efficient replacements, contact TOH general contractor Tom Silva and his team.
Tom could use insert replacement units because the window frames were sturdy and square, in this case Andersen’s Woodwright Insert Replacement Windows, which are vinyl-clad wood units with energy-efficient, low-e insulated glass. These ready-to-install, fully assembled windows simply slide into the openings that already exist.
After the work was finished, the house had lovely new double-hungs that fit perfectly, operated without a hitch, and added yet another feature that Maddy and Paul loved about their old home. Here’s how Tom made the switch, along with advice on picking and setting up replacement windows.