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Windows help define the architectural style and character of a home — yet many people in Grass Valley are replacing their historic windows needlessly.
And vinyl replacement windows are not as good a deal as they may seem, studies show.
A free workshop will be held to inform homeowners how they can retain their historic windows and still improve energy efficiency, often at less cost than replacing them.
“Save the Windows” is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St., downtown Grass Valley. Experts will offer many simple repairs to rehabilitate windows and increase their energy efficiency at this seminar, sponsored by the city's Historical Commission.
One of the most important reasons for retaining old windows is the value they add to the architectural significance of a building. It is important to also retain the original openings and fenestration.
In January, the Grass Valley City Council adopted design guidelines covering the original 1872 Townsite; included are reasons why older windows are important to the architectural integrity of our historic built environment. (Visit www.CityofGrassValley.com to find the guidelines.)
Historic windows can last more than 100 years when cared for properly. If your windows are at least 60 years old, most likely they were made of old-growth timber. This wood was superior in quality to today's wood, resulting in windows that are more resistant to weather, moisture and rot.
Unless a window is significantly deteriorated, it can be rehabilitated by a qualified craftsman — and for less than the cost of a replacement window.
Energy efficiency can be improved for historic windows by installing new weather stripping, reglazing, caulking, replacing window hardware and adding storm windows or interior window inserts.
A federal tax credit is available for this year on all Energy Star-qualified storm windows and inserts. This credit is 10 percent of the cost up to $500.
When historic windows are replaced by modern vinyl or aluminum models, the historic rhythm and fabric of the building is permanently altered. Studies confirm that historic windows, with regular maintenance and the use of inserts or storm windows can be as energy efficient as new windows.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 31 percent of home energy loss can be attributed to floors, walls and ceilings; windows account for 10 percent.
Studies prove it can take up to 40 years to recover the costs of replacement windows, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. They may require replacement after an average 10 years, studies show.
Gwynn Waldsmith is the chairperson of the Grass Valley Historical Commission. This is her personal opinion.
And vinyl replacement windows are not as good a deal as they may seem, studies show.
A free workshop will be held to inform homeowners how they can retain their historic windows and still improve energy efficiency, often at less cost than replacing them.
“Save the Windows” is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St., downtown Grass Valley. Experts will offer many simple repairs to rehabilitate windows and increase their energy efficiency at this seminar, sponsored by the city's Historical Commission.
One of the most important reasons for retaining old windows is the value they add to the architectural significance of a building. It is important to also retain the original openings and fenestration.
In January, the Grass Valley City Council adopted design guidelines covering the original 1872 Townsite; included are reasons why older windows are important to the architectural integrity of our historic built environment. (Visit www.CityofGrassValley.com to find the guidelines.)
Historic windows can last more than 100 years when cared for properly. If your windows are at least 60 years old, most likely they were made of old-growth timber. This wood was superior in quality to today's wood, resulting in windows that are more resistant to weather, moisture and rot.
Unless a window is significantly deteriorated, it can be rehabilitated by a qualified craftsman — and for less than the cost of a replacement window.
Energy efficiency can be improved for historic windows by installing new weather stripping, reglazing, caulking, replacing window hardware and adding storm windows or interior window inserts.
A federal tax credit is available for this year on all Energy Star-qualified storm windows and inserts. This credit is 10 percent of the cost up to $500.
When historic windows are replaced by modern vinyl or aluminum models, the historic rhythm and fabric of the building is permanently altered. Studies confirm that historic windows, with regular maintenance and the use of inserts or storm windows can be as energy efficient as new windows.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 31 percent of home energy loss can be attributed to floors, walls and ceilings; windows account for 10 percent.
Studies prove it can take up to 40 years to recover the costs of replacement windows, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. They may require replacement after an average 10 years, studies show.
Gwynn Waldsmith is the chairperson of the Grass Valley Historical Commission. This is her personal opinion.
