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10 REASONS TO REPAIR YOUR OLD WINDOWS From the National Trust for Historic Preservation Replacement Windows Won’t Last While manufacturers often offer lifetime warrantees for their windows, many replacement windows have a lifespan of only 10 to 25 years. Cost Efficiency It can take up to 240 years to recoup enough money in energy savings to pay back the cost of installing replacement windows. (Calculations by Keith Heberern at www.historichomeworks.com) Toxic Production of Replacement Windows Installing replacement windows is not an environmentally-preferred approach, due to the toxic by-products often found in new vinyl and PVC products. Historic Character Historic windows are important building components that add to the character of older structures. They offer clues to a building’s history as integral aspects of architectural design. Ease and Benefit of Repair Repairing and maintaining historic windows can be easy and inexpensive with practice. Keeping windows operable also allows for the cross-ventilation that houses were designed for before air-conditioning. Fuel the Local Economy If you are unable to repair your own windows, hire a skilled tradesperson to do it for you. This fuels the local economy and provides jobs. Address Your Roof and Walls First More heat is typically lost through the roof and walls than through windows. Adding insulation to the attic can likely save you more energy and money than replacing windows. Old Growth Wood is Scarce Old growth wood windows produced in the 1950s or earlier are dense and durable, but are now scarce. They can last over 100 years, longer than most new high-quality wood windows. Energy Efficiency You can increase the perfor- mance of historic windows through weather-stripping, caulking, and repair of cracked glazing. Properly maintained historic windows can be just as energy efficient as new windows. Demolitions Contribute to Waste Each year, building demolitions produce millions of tons of debris and waste. Valuable old growth windows that end up in landfills during this process further add to the accumulation. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Older windows are frequently sacrificed in the name of energy efficiency, rather than being maintained and repaired. In addition to eroding the character and authenticity of a historic building, replacing older windows can negatively impact the environment. The following are ten reasons to repair your old windows. For more information, contact the Anaheim Planning Department at (714) 765-5139 or visit www.anaheim.net/planning. City of Anaheim Permit Assistance Center