Stepping across the threshold into a historic property, we are given an opportunity to gain perspective on the past. The doorways we enter and the window views we see offer a glimpse into the lives of those who came before and the surroundings they observed. From this vantage, we can better appreciate the value of restoring and maintaining the appearances of these built environments for future generations.
When we imagine a historic property, certain structures spring to mind:
- Stately private residences with transom-topped doors and divided-lite windows
- Ivy-covered academic halls with extra-tall triple hung windows and custom profiles
- Palatial hotels and ornate theaters with expansive entrances and inviting views
- Awe-inspiring cathedrals and places of worship with sweeping arched openings and elaborate historic door styles
- Distinguished courthouses and grand government centers with oversized, durably constructed doors and windows
Thinking of each structure, it’s easy to envision their façade with their classic fenestration. The rich character of these historic buildings is entwined with their uniquely crafted windows and doors. The absence of these architectural elements would fundamentally alter the building’s identity. It is disheartening to picture them boarded up, bricked over or missing entirely. Thankfully, many of these buildings are deserving candidates for preservation and restoration.
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Windows and doors provide much more than views and access. They are vital expressions of a building’s legacy and its historic presence. Historic window and door designs, materials and craftsmanship tangibly link past and present generations, carrying that spirit into the future.
Historic windows and doors traditionally included locally sourced timber. Sawn into lumber, the profiles and detailing of each frame, sash and sill were crafted with learned skills and cultural knowledge instilled by each community’s builders and tradespeople.
As glass was limited in size and availability, each individual lite was putty-glazed into place within the larger frame. These true divided lites still can be replicated today with modern glass and glazing. Performance divided lites offer a similar appearance to historical window styles with energy-efficient insulated glass units fabricated with decorative integral grids and applied grilles.
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As the factories forged iron to support growing industry and infrastructure, steel-framed windows became common in commercial spaces. The look of this historical window style has been adapted for a breadth of building types, including single-family residences. Replicating this historical look, Kolbe’s VistaLuxe windows can be customized with wood or aluminum framing finished in black, narrow profiles and performance divided lites for modern comfort and energy savings. Today’s commercial and institutional window renovations frequently rely on advanced glazing and versatile aluminum framing with insulating thermal barriers for high performance and easy maintenance.
Established in 1966 and managed through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, the National Register of Historic Places has listed more than 100,000 properties. Places that are more than 50 years old--that is, built before 1976--and of historic importance may be eligible for the National Register. The program assists qualified properties with preservation guidance, benefits and incentives--such as grants or historic tax credits--providing crucial support for revitalizing communities through their rehabilitation and reuse.
The National Register regularly issues guidance documents to help interpret and apply best practices. For example, its recently published “Assessing Integrity, Not Condition,” reminds us that:
“Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. It results from conscious decisions made during the original conception and planning of a property… Design includes such elements as organization of space, proportion, scale, technology, material choices, and ornamentation.”
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National resources have local impact, and State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and local historic districts contribute to managing successful outcomes. Whether the opening is a gothic arch, a traditional rectangle, multi-paned or monumental, the National Register and SHPOs recognize the central role windows and doors play in telling these buildings’ stories.
Kolbe Windows & Doors draws from a nearly 80-year legacy of supporting historic properties. Kolbe’s in-house experts customize every window and door as built-to-order fenestration products. The doors and windows are crafted and installed in numerous spaces listed on the National Register as well as in historically inspired homes and buildings. Below are a few examples.
- Austin Community College, Rio Grande Campus Main Building, Austin, Texas – This 100-year-old structure not only was adapted for 21st century learning; it also earned LEED Platinum certification. Retaining its historic provenance, the original windows’ profiles, mullions, muntins, trim and finishes were accurately represented in the new, hand-crafted windows. The result achieved the intended look and improved energy efficiency for daylight openings into the courtyard and window views onto the campus.
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- Ocean House Resort, Watch Hill, Rhode Island – This iconic, historic, coastal hotel needed to replace more than 500 original divided-lite windows to comply with current building codes, energy performance and hurricane considerations. The custom-crafted windows precisely replicated the period-specific details, met the performance requirements and were installed quickly for an effective, economical and attractive solution.
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- Trumbo Street home, Charleston Historic District, South Carolina – This newly constructed home carefully blends historically appropriate aesthetics of the pre-1880’s neighborhood with modern, hurricane impact-resistant performance windows. The Forgent Series windows used were reported as among the first non-wood windows approved by the Charleston Historic District’s Board of Architectural Review.
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Bringing new life to historic buildings starts with selecting the right approach to the windows and doors. Three main strategies--replication and replacement, retrofitting, and restoration and repair--each offer distinct benefits and challenges. All can respectfully uphold period-specific aesthetics and utility, while offering improvements for performance and resiliency.
Replication and Replacement
Historical door and window replication involves recreating original fenestration using custom fabrication, often based on archival materials, photos or surviving examples. This method usually includes full replacement and considers everything from the frame to glazing.
The approach requires significant deconstruction and reconstruction. The result is a complete, performance-enhanced update that honors the original design. High-quality window and door manufacturers like Kolbe offer extensive custom capabilities to authentically replicate the original units.
An accurate replica of a historic door or window design addresses many factors:
- Visibility of the door, window and their architectural details
- Location of the existing window or door within the wall
- Size, shape, configuration and proportional scale of the door, window, sash and frame
- Glass size, type and color, divided light patterns, and glazing beads and gaskets
- Frame profile, rails and stiles, muntins and grids, and edge designs
- Historic door and window hardware and their operation
- Integral materials, construction methods and joinery
- Finishes and colors
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Retrofitting
Compared to replication and replacement, a historical window or door retrofit provides a less invasive option. This method involves installing new window sash or door panels into the existing frame, preserving as much of the original structure as possible. Though historical door and window retrofitting may not address frame-related issues, it still can significantly enhance energy performance and maintain aesthetic continuity without major reconstruction.
Retrofitting is a preferred solution when architectural details surrounding the frame must be preserved, or when budgets and timelines are limited. Even so, it requires customization to ensure each new component complements the old.
Restoration and Repair
When existing units can, or must, remain in place, historical window and door restoration retains the original units while repairing or replacing only the necessary components. This may include refinishing, reinforcing or replacing hardware and glazing. In some cases, storm windows and limited modifications are approved to bolster performance, reduce maintenance and ensure longevity.
Historical door and window repair relies on craftsmanship and material knowledge. The process is delicate, requiring artisans who can accurately duplicate elements when needed, such as original joinery or hand-rubbed finishes. Restoration is a powerful way to maintain authenticity, especially in landmarked buildings or those governed by strict preservation guidelines.
Whether achieved through historical window replication, retrofit or repair, intentional improvements to historic doors and windows balance appearance with performance.
Whenever possible, the aesthetics and construction materials should be congruent with the era of the original property and location, and consistent with its known cultural heritage. Properties on the National Register or in historic districts comply with strict standards and stringent approval processes to receive the related grants, tax incentives and other benefits.
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Meticulously crafted with wood interiors and exteriors, Kolbe Heritage Series windows and doors can articulate the most accurate and intricate architectural details. Heritage Series Old World Classic replicates centuries’ old sash technology with double hung windows featuring brass pulleys, chains and alloyed weights--modernized for nearly effortless, fluid operation. Triple hungs, radius tops and cottage styling extend the historic applications of these genuine, grand windows. Divided lite profiles and patterns, glass and hardware options, and a curated color palette reflect design trends appropriate to past eras with contemporary appeal.
Additional considerations can enhance the immediate functionality, enjoyment and experience of a historic house or building and extend its lifespan. New windows and doors provide air, water and structural integrity plus numerous other advantages.
Safety and resiliency enhancements can ensure protection and egress in an emergency. With today’s windows and doors, there’s no need to sacrifice historic appeal for modern performance. These products can withstand extreme weather and temperature changes, high winds and hurricanes, and mitigate damage in areas prone to earthquakes, wildfires, flooding or multi-hazard conditions. Window and door material choices can involve impact-resistant glazing, reinforced framing, and durable materials and finishes.
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Energy performance upgrades through new insulated glass units, advanced glazing and insulated framing conserve natural resources, reduce associated emissions and save on utility costs. Operable windows can support natural ventilation and passive house designs, further reducing the need for heating and cooling. Along with decreased HVAC loads, windows and doors with high thermal performance also benefit from reduced condensation and increased acoustic performance, which contribute to healthier, cleaner and more comfortable interiors.
Doors and windows also support other environmental benefits. There are glass and glazing options to help protect birds, turtles, pollinators and other animals. Framing materials are available with sustainably harvested woods and recycled compositions. Finishes are offered with no- and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) content, and in extremely durable, low-maintenance options.
Accessibility improvements accommodate people with limited mobility and other physical needs. This may include doors with minimal thresholds, automating window and door operation, or smooth-operating hardware that does not require twisting, gripping or heavy lifting. Even with massive window sash and door panels, contemporary engineering pairs with historically styled hardware to allow for near-effortless lifting, sliding, opening and closing.
Guided by historical building experts, preservation-minded architects, experienced craftspeople and manufacturers, window and door updates do more than enhance a property--they elevate a community. Thoughtful fenestration improvements ensure a building remains an appreciated and welcoming space, enabling its story to be shared with generations to come.
Kolbe Windows & Doors proudly supports the replication, retrofit and repair of historic windows and doors, enabling owners, architects and builders to preserve what matters most. With every careful update and respectful upgrade, a historic building’s story continues with a preserved identity and enduring presence.