Why Old Windows Are Worth Saving

LauraJuly 5, 2022

Historic windows, most notably double-hung windows were brilliantly designed. They have several benefits that are simply not found in a replacement window today that make them an important architectural feature to save. And I believe that once you understand how they work and their ultimate value to your home you’ll want to save them if at all possible.

1. They Are Efficient

Contrary to popular belief old windows can be an efficient part of your home’s envelope. The problem is that many old windows have either lost their weather stripping or never had it to begin with. Adding this important element can really increase your old window’s efficiency and make them competitive with a replacement window.

And if efficiency truly is important to you, the addition of a historic storm window can bring an original window’s performance up to 94% of the efficiency of a replacement double-paned, low-e window at a fraction of the cost.

2. They Add Value

A large part of the value of any old or historic home is the presence of original details like windows. Most buyers of these types of homes appreciate and expect to find these original details and will pay a premium for homes without replacements. And to find to house with restored original windows along with other original elements is a rare gem that commands a much higher selling price.

3. They Are Incredibly Resilient

Original wood windows on homes built before WWII are more than likely made from “old-growth” lumber. This wood came from the huge virgin forests that once covered North America. As this supply of wood was depleted we slowly turned to tree farms to keep up with our growing demand. But “old-growth” wood is a far superior product than any wood you can buy today. Due to the slower growth patterns “old-growth” wood is stronger, more stable (less prone to cup and warp), and more resistant to insects and rot. Why you would ever plan on replacing this far superior wood with a vinyl or aluminum clad replacement window is beyond me.

4. They Are Simple & Easy to Repair

The more complicated something is the more likely it is to break. And windows are no exception to this rule. Historic windows operate on a simple rope and pulley counterweight system. Sash cords are fit into holes mortised into the side of the sash and then run over a pulley and tied to a iron weight which is hidden in a pocket inside the window jamb. These weights provide perfect balance and a smooth almost weightless operation to the window.

In addition, there are no seals to wear out or gaskets to dry up on an old window. It is a simple solid wood frame with a piece of glass held in place by little metal points called glazing points and then glazed with a natural putty that provides a flexible seal for decades. When the putty dries up after 40 years …

Renovation House

Organic Gardening Advice That Everyone Should Know

LauraJuly 5, 2022

Organic gardening is a hobby that anybody can do in order to relax. However, for a beginner, the whole gardening experience can be a very intimidating thing to enter into. So, what exactly should a novice learn and do when they want to start growing plants? Well, a great place to start is with the following helpful article!

When you are organic gardening, ask your children to lend a hand. Helping a garden grow is an excellent learning experience for kids, and it allows your family to spend time together while creating healthy, nutritious foods.

Don’t underestimate pine as a great mulch. Some plants are more acidic, and prefer soil that contains higher acidic levels. For these types of plants, pine needles are wonderful for mulching. Spread a few inches of pine needles on your organic beds so that it will put the acid into your soil.

Try using coffee grounds on the soil. Coffee grounds are filled with nutritional elements plants need, such as nitrogen. Many times, nitrogen is a limiting nutrient in soils. Adding coffee grounds or compost can add nitrogen to your soils will help your plants grow tall and healthy.

Paying attention to spacing is important. Many people don’t realize exactly how much space a plant needs when it grows. The plants will inevitably need to unfurl and spread, but they also need the circulation of air from open spaces. Plan accordingly and put an appropriate amount of distance between seeds.

Within your composting heap, ensure that there is an equal split of dried and green plant materials. Garden wastes, such as grass clippings, are classified as green materials. Dried material includes straw, shredded paper, and cardboard. Do not include charcoal, ashes, meat, carnivorous animal manure or diseased plants.

If you are planting seeds in containers, a good rule of thumb is that the seed’s depth should be around three times its overall size. Certain seeds are an exception to that rule, since they require sunlight to germinate, so they should be barely covered or not at all. Petunia and ageratum seeds need direct sunlight, for example. If you are not sure whether your seeds need to be exposed to sunlight, resources are usually provided with the seeds or can be found online.

If slugs are disrupting the balance of your garden, you can diminish their population by using a beer trap. Place a jar into the soil so that the top of it’s mouth rests parallel with the soil. Now, fill the jar with beer to approximately an inch below the lip. Slugs are attracted to the beer and become trapped in the container.

Your authenticity as an organic grower is solidified when you obtain the organic gardening certification. With this, you and your crops are credible and 100% legitimately organic. This is important for your business and to your customers. This can boost sales and tell loyal customers that you’re providing the best to them.

It should now be clear to you why so …