National Conservation.

Your home’s windows have served their dwelling for a century, and have asked for little in return. The lumber used in that period cannot be matched. Any Doug Fir trees used of identical quality are protected by federal forestry laws.  

For any modern replacement, the range can be down n’ dirty at the local big box store for $300, or brands that fancy themselves on the luxury-tier. Many of those ‘wooden’ replicas have undergone class-action suits, because they simply will not hold up to their claims. Be not deceived! There is no finer material and build, than the original equipment you already have in place.

The real issue here, (besides the marketing schemes of ‘newer is better’) – is the lack of trained craftsmen (and especially now, growing number of craftswomen) who have learned from the conservationist movement originated on the East Coast, moving westward. This movement has some of the greatest minds in the nation, who regularly consult the U.S. Dept. of Interior, or even perform the work, to protect our national landmarks. If the wrong materials or methods are used, then the results can be catastrophic, and wind up damaging these structures, and laws are now in place to ensure the rigorous ‘Standards’ are used. Cities have adopted these Standards (Briefs issued by the Ntl. Park Service) easily available for anyone to learn. The authors of these briefs have lent their time selflessly to help train America’s next generation of window restoration specialists, for which there are almost none in Chicagoland, sadly.