Have you ever heard the saying “The cobbler’s children have no shoes”? What it means is that someone who is considered an expert in a certain field often does not personally heed the advice they give. Case in point: Ann Gregory from The Door Store and Windows. She lives in a home from the 1940s and only recently replaced some of her original windows with new windows after living there for 13 years.
Why the wait? Her reasons — as most people — are simple: expense, time and aesthetic.
Windows are expensive. And it takes time to select the perfect ones, especially with all the options nowadays. Plus, they need to fit in with your home’s aesthetic. All of these reasons mean a large investment of time and money into this home necessity, but it’s worth every penny, as those of us who have shivered in front of a drafty window know.
Ann did not want to lose the “feel” of her house by incorporating new-looking windows. The original windows had character that blended with the house perfectly, and modernizing them would ruin the historic aesthetic of the home. So she thought.
She found the perfect ones that would look “old” but be modern, new and efficient. (Yes, that does exist.)
Ann contends that there is no need to replace all of your windows at the same time. Five windows at a time is ideal; you are already hiring a window installer, and it takes as much effort to install one as it does five. While you are paying for the labor, you might as well do a few. Also, by breaking the total number up, it is instantly more affordable.
The windows in her kitchen were old, double-hung windows that had significantly deteriorated and were hard to open. There were no storm windows on them, nor were there any screens. Ann is tall, and she had a very hard time opening a double-hung window, especially the one over the sink.
Here are the before shots:
Double-hung windows from the 1940s in a newly renovated kitchen needed replacing.
Original pull string on kitchen window
These double-hung windows were especially hard to open, even for a tall person.
They were coming undone from the outside.
A fresh coat of paint would not be enough to salvage these old windows.
Often, newer windows lack the character and delicacy of older windows. In this case, these windows are not considered historical, and she did not need permission to replace or repair them. There are many landmark windows in Louisville, most notably in Old Louisville, Cherokee Triangle and Anchorage, where even a repair requires permission.
The window she selected to replace her existing windows are “insert push-out awning” windows by Marvin, with a high-transparency retractable screen. There are divided lites, or panes, that mimic the former window. The windows push out with a simple nudge of a sleek lever, and the screen is a tight mesh barely visible to the eye. The screen pulls up and down with just a touch. No more wrestling to get them open.
Here are the after shots:
These are “insert push-out awning” windows by Marvin. They have a high-transparency retractable screen as well. The windows are so pretty the homeowner left off the window treatments permanently.
Windows now open on a beautiful summer day and pulled shut when the weather gets too hot or cold.
Satin nickel pulls make them easy to open and close.
This kitchen window is now a breeze to open.
View from the outside
Windows are obviously a home necessity, but we all have budgets that we need to abide by. Doing just a few windows at a time can greatly improve the quality of your home efficiency. Plus, they don’t all have to be top of the line to be effective. When picking out a window, most options are a la carte, giving the buyer plenty of freedom when making selections.
Don’t know where to start? Focus on the room that is the coldest in the winter and go from there, says Ann. Knocking out a few at a time can be affordable and make a tremendous impact on your home’s look and efficiency!
The Door Store is located 4625 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207. Call them at 502-896-1717 or visit their website at doorstoreandwindows.com
Photography in today’s article by Christine Mueller Photography
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