Window Restoration in DFW: When it's the Right Choice

Should you replace or restore your windows? If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the answer really depends on where you live.

If you live in a designated historical district with a house built in the 1940s or earlier, 99% of the time you should choose to get your windows restored. Here's why.

1) Window replacement standards are nearly impossible to meet.

Homes and businesses located in areas designated as historical districts are unified by their distinct architectural style. Even the smallest remodeling projects can make a home look "too modern" and out of place. As a result, strict ordinances have been set up to maintain the character and authenticity of the neighborhood.

2) Energy efficiency can be vastly improved with restoration.

Wood windows, especially the kind you see on older homes, are of extremely high quality. Why? Before the 1940s, windows were mostly made with old-growth wood. This kind of wood is denser, more durable, rot-resistant, and dimensionally stable than modern-day wood.

Because of this, wood windows that are restored to their former glory can perform just as well on tests on energy efficiency as replacement windows when a storm window is also installed.

3) Even severely damaged windows can be restored.

It's amazing how a good window restorer can bring a heavily damaged window back to life, even if the frames are rotted! One of the reasons older windows can be repaired is because they are made from individual parts. Each piece - including the rails, stiles, muntins, stops, sill, stool, and jamb can be individually repaired while leaving the other parts of the window intact.

Historical Districts in DFW

As you might expect, most of the designated historic districts in Dallas and Fort Worth are located near the center, where the cities originated before expanding outwards. In the map below, the green areas designate the areas where most of these districts are located.

Below is a listing of many designated historical districts in the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Please note, even if your neighborhood is not officially designated as a historic district, your homeowner's association may still have historical standards that must be followed, especially if your home was built in the 1940s or earlier.

Dallas Historic Districts

Dallas Ctd.

Fort Worth Historic Districts

Fort Worth Ctd.

Leeds Clark, Brennan's Window Restoration Partner

For over 30 years, Leeds Clark has been an authority in historic wood and steel window restoration. President Tom Clark has been recognized as one of the foremost authorities in the fields of historic window restoration, replication, and consultation. If you are interested in learning more about historic window restoration, call the office at (972) 775-3843 or send Tom an email at tom@leedsclark.com.