The Trouble with Windows
For years, debate raged in my condo association over what to do about our windows.
It was a fierce debate, pitting the Restorationists against the Replaceons.
Each side knew what was best for the old brick building.
The Restorationists said repair, don't replace, the old windows. They used words like tradition, phrases like "quality workmanship," and sentences like, "If they lasted this long, they can last another 75 years." The Replaceons countered by listing the practical benefits of new windows -- reduced heat loss, increased sound insulation, and easier cleaning.
The groups fought to a standstill, and as time went by the windows allowed greater drafts and became increasingly difficult to open. Some came to believe nothing would ever be done and simply adapted to the limitations: "Can't open that window; it's stuck." "Be careful opening that one; the frame is loose." "It's better sealed closed -- it keeps out the draft." "Oops -- don't open that one; it's missing its screen."
People grew accustomed, even fond of the windows. Instead of "broken," residents described the them as "quirky" or as "having a mind of their own." For some, the windows became a source of pride, symbolizing the old-fashioned values that came up with phrases like, "Leave well-enough alone." Further, while million dollar renovations were being made to nearby luxury homes, our building had none of that pretension!
Yet, beneath it all, an undercurrent of resentment existed. On those summer days when humidity made stuck windows even stickier, you could hear the desperate grunts of residents attempting to open their windows or feel the rattle of a stubborn window being slid down. Sometimes, a resident would attend a condo trustee meeting and plead with the Restorationists and Raplaceons. For years we postponed the issue. Too controversial. Too costly.
The fact is no one wanted to deal with window restoration or replacement because of the cost and the hassle. But after years of delay, it reached the point that something had to be done. The Restorationists said that if we didn't act soon, some windows would be beyond repair, and the Replaceons longed for the convenient features of new windows.
A trustee agreed to investigate the options. He looked into window restoration and replacement by searching the web for articles, meeting with restoration professionals, and visiting shops that sold name-brand new windows. He also spoke with many unit owners to understand what issues they most wanted resolved. It was clear from his discussions that the solution should provide for less heat loss, more noise reduction, and no assessments.
The case for new windows proved tempting. Many advantages could be had if the association went that route. The windows tilt in for easy cleaning, have double glass for better insulation, include built in screens that eliminate the need for unsightly storm windows, reduce noise, and look similar to the old windows. As the Replaceons saw it, the only drawback to new windows was the cost. When that was brought up, one of them said, "Let's not be penny wise and pound foolish."
Restored windows, too, had their advantages. New windows tend to have thicker parts and thus, let in less light. New windows have features that can result in more problems (for instance, the mechanisms for tilt-in windows can break) and are made of lower quality wood than windows from 50 or so years ago. Restoration might not give you all the benefits of new windows, but it provided many. Rotted wood would be replaced. Warped wood would be sanded down. Restored windows would open and close easily and seal tightly. New commercial grade storm windows would help reduce out noise and drafts and would match the white wood trim.
When the pros and cons were weighed, the Replaceons and Restorationists agreed both solutions offered many benefits. In the end, the Replaceons did not have what it takes to win the day. Their solution was too costly. If the windows were replaced, they would all have to be replaced so that they matched. This would require an assessment. On the other hand, new storm windows would protect the old windows, reduce drafts, and reduce noise. By protecting the old windows, owners would be able to wait before restoring their windows. Plus, storm windows were affordable, could be paid for out of the building reserve.
The Restorationists may have won the day, but the Replaceons lie in wait for the day when the windows are once again stuck.
The Restorationists said repair, don't replace, the old windows. They used words like tradition, phrases like "quality workmanship," and sentences like, "If they lasted this long, they can last another 75 years." The Replaceons countered by listing the practical benefits of new windows -- reduced heat loss, increased sound insulation, and easier cleaning.
The groups fought to a standstill, and as time went by the windows allowed greater drafts and became increasingly difficult to open. Some came to believe nothing would ever be done and simply adapted to the limitations: "Can't open that window; it's stuck." "Be careful opening that one; the frame is loose." "It's better sealed closed -- it keeps out the draft." "Oops -- don't open that one; it's missing its screen."
People grew accustomed, even fond of the windows. Instead of "broken," residents described the them as "quirky" or as "having a mind of their own." For some, the windows became a source of pride, symbolizing the old-fashioned values that came up with phrases like, "Leave well-enough alone." Further, while million dollar renovations were being made to nearby luxury homes, our building had none of that pretension!
Yet, beneath it all, an undercurrent of resentment existed. On those summer days when humidity made stuck windows even stickier, you could hear the desperate grunts of residents attempting to open their windows or feel the rattle of a stubborn window being slid down. Sometimes, a resident would attend a condo trustee meeting and plead with the Restorationists and Raplaceons. For years we postponed the issue. Too controversial. Too costly.
The fact is no one wanted to deal with window restoration or replacement because of the cost and the hassle. But after years of delay, it reached the point that something had to be done. The Restorationists said that if we didn't act soon, some windows would be beyond repair, and the Replaceons longed for the convenient features of new windows.
A trustee agreed to investigate the options. He looked into window restoration and replacement by searching the web for articles, meeting with restoration professionals, and visiting shops that sold name-brand new windows. He also spoke with many unit owners to understand what issues they most wanted resolved. It was clear from his discussions that the solution should provide for less heat loss, more noise reduction, and no assessments.
The case for new windows proved tempting. Many advantages could be had if the association went that route. The windows tilt in for easy cleaning, have double glass for better insulation, include built in screens that eliminate the need for unsightly storm windows, reduce noise, and look similar to the old windows. As the Replaceons saw it, the only drawback to new windows was the cost. When that was brought up, one of them said, "Let's not be penny wise and pound foolish."
Restored windows, too, had their advantages. New windows tend to have thicker parts and thus, let in less light. New windows have features that can result in more problems (for instance, the mechanisms for tilt-in windows can break) and are made of lower quality wood than windows from 50 or so years ago. Restoration might not give you all the benefits of new windows, but it provided many. Rotted wood would be replaced. Warped wood would be sanded down. Restored windows would open and close easily and seal tightly. New commercial grade storm windows would help reduce out noise and drafts and would match the white wood trim.
When the pros and cons were weighed, the Replaceons and Restorationists agreed both solutions offered many benefits. In the end, the Replaceons did not have what it takes to win the day. Their solution was too costly. If the windows were replaced, they would all have to be replaced so that they matched. This would require an assessment. On the other hand, new storm windows would protect the old windows, reduce drafts, and reduce noise. By protecting the old windows, owners would be able to wait before restoring their windows. Plus, storm windows were affordable, could be paid for out of the building reserve.
The Restorationists may have won the day, but the Replaceons lie in wait for the day when the windows are once again stuck.
