Every American house ever built has featured some sort of window. The style of the window has changed dramatically throughout the years. Even in one particular house the window style may have changed a half dozen times. Like a detective looking for clues, we can help you locate historical aspects in your home and then manufacture you an historically accurate window unit. Or, we can recreate any muntin profile and window design when you need a matching replacement unit. We only use select, reclaimed antique cylinder glass in our windows and all of our windows are true divided light. From a simple 12/12 18th Century window to an elaborate eight foot tall Palladian window, you can be sure you are going to get a properly proportioned unit that will compliment the rest of your house.
This 17th Century window is known as a lattice or lozenge window. The distinguishing features are the lead calmes and quarrys or quarrels (diamond shaped pieces of glass). The frame was made of heavy oak, with the sides being mortised into both the head and sill. Nearly all of these window units were casements, as a double hung window was rarely made before 1725.
Pictured here is a typical mid-18th Century, 12/8 double hung New England window. The fixed upper sash does not move. The lower sash can be opened, but there is no balance system. Often a stick or spring catch was used to allow ventilation. Depending on location and period within the 18th Century, the muntin profile, light configuration, light size, and exterior trim varied, but most of these units were made entirely of wood.
This 19th Century window is also known as a checkrail window because of the interlocking meeting rails. This design enabled the windows to be locked, and retain heat. These sashes are thicker and generally have a narrower muntin than those of earlier periods. Another distinguishing feature is that both the upper and lower sashes are operable. The most common balance system for these windows was weight and pulley. Our 19th Century windows feature hidden polypropylene weather-stripping for energy efficiency while still retaining an historical look. We can manufacture windows using either a weight and pulley system, or using a hidden block and tackle balance system, as pictured.
The Palladian window was introduced as homes became more elaborate. Combining Georgian design with English influence, the Palladian window design became more detailed after 1800. Generally located either above the front entrance or in the gable ends of large homes, Palladian windows showcase a variety of different architectural details, and can range from simple in plan to extremely ornate.
There have been countless different window styles since the first oil cloth sash was built. A window’s shape can be square, oval, half-round or elliptical. A muntin bar can be straight, curved or sine wave. A frame can be thick or thin, plain or elaborate. If you can imagine it, we can build it- and probably have.
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