One of the toughest decisions to make when renovating is whether or not to replace original windows. In the picture above, our house is on the right. We are not sure how old our windows are, but they are probably from before WW II. Our next door neighbor's home appears to have new windows, probably double-glazed from the way the sun is reflecting on them. A number of the other houses around our square seem to have replacement windows as well.
There are several benefits to new windows, principally that they will better insulate a home, keeping out drafts and keeping in heat, so energy bills may be reduced. Double paned windows will also keep out street noise. This can be a major benefit in a city with lots of traffic or noisy tourists like Paris, but noise reduction hardly seems necessary in a peaceful village like Lonlay l'Abbaye.
In any event, Joseph and I like to look out at street life wherever we find ourselves. Hearing a town or city waking up around you motivates you to pour that coffee and get going. When you see people bustling about, you can tell how cold it is outside, whether or not you need a jacket, whether or not it seems to be a holiday of some sort, and what kind of deliveries are being made fresh to the nearby shops. And there is the endless charm of seeing and hearing parents and children together, funny dogs with their owners, or couples in love, both young and old.
This sense of joy and connection to others who are joined with you in the daily life of a town, this gentle chaos of variety, is what Impressionists like Renoir and Pisarro captured so well in 19th century Paris:
There are several benefits to new windows, principally that they will better insulate a home, keeping out drafts and keeping in heat, so energy bills may be reduced. Double paned windows will also keep out street noise. This can be a major benefit in a city with lots of traffic or noisy tourists like Paris, but noise reduction hardly seems necessary in a peaceful village like Lonlay l'Abbaye.
In any event, Joseph and I like to look out at street life wherever we find ourselves. Hearing a town or city waking up around you motivates you to pour that coffee and get going. When you see people bustling about, you can tell how cold it is outside, whether or not you need a jacket, whether or not it seems to be a holiday of some sort, and what kind of deliveries are being made fresh to the nearby shops. And there is the endless charm of seeing and hearing parents and children together, funny dogs with their owners, or couples in love, both young and old.
This sense of joy and connection to others who are joined with you in the daily life of a town, this gentle chaos of variety, is what Impressionists like Renoir and Pisarro captured so well in 19th century Paris:
So, I like windows, and I like that connection to the outside. I especially love old French windows with that quaint knob that pulls the metal bar from the frame and allows you to open the windows wide. Could you imagine these paintings being made without large French windows to let in the light?
Romanticizing old style windows is one thing, you might say. Do you want to have drafts and spend extra money wasting heat? Well, no. The fact is, however, that only about 15% of heat loss is through windows. Less if they are fairly well caulked and fitted. Much more is lost through a non-insulated roof or floor, and I'm sure our builders will remedy that.
Romanticizing old style windows is one thing, you might say. Do you want to have drafts and spend extra money wasting heat? Well, no. The fact is, however, that only about 15% of heat loss is through windows. Less if they are fairly well caulked and fitted. Much more is lost through a non-insulated roof or floor, and I'm sure our builders will remedy that.
Older windows are often made of hardwood like chestnut that is just not available anymore. Properly treated and cared for, they will last a very long time. And they have character. Something you just can't say about the new windows.
Many new windows are made of PVC plastic. They may be energy efficient in holding in heat, but they are not "green." Preserving existing windows is more environmentally friendly, especially when you consider that most PVC windows will have to be replaced every 25 years or so. Unlike the old wooden windows, they cannot be repaired.
Yes, new windows will function perfectly and can be airtight. But do old buildings really want to be airtight? From what I have read, the answer is no. They were designed to pull in fresh air from outside, circulate it and feed the fire burning for cooking and warmth. So if there are some little drafts around the closures, that's ok with me.
Many new windows are made of PVC plastic. They may be energy efficient in holding in heat, but they are not "green." Preserving existing windows is more environmentally friendly, especially when you consider that most PVC windows will have to be replaced every 25 years or so. Unlike the old wooden windows, they cannot be repaired.
Yes, new windows will function perfectly and can be airtight. But do old buildings really want to be airtight? From what I have read, the answer is no. They were designed to pull in fresh air from outside, circulate it and feed the fire burning for cooking and warmth. So if there are some little drafts around the closures, that's ok with me.
Of course, sometimes an old door or window is just too far gone. This door to our side street is in very poor condition, especially at the bottom where water damage has caused decay. We are going to see if perhaps the bottom of the door can be replaced, because we love the light that comes in from the wide glass panels. The door really functions as a window as well, as does the kitchen door below that opens onto the square.
In the end, it's not really just about the windows. It's about history too. There is something immensely touching about the thought that a time traveling soldier from World War II would still recognize the square he liberated in 1944, and that we can look out through the same windows as those who celebrated that moment, and all the moments in the life of this very special village.
Thanks to website http://www.worldwar2-photofinder.com/city/basse-normandy/listing/lonlay-labbaye-place-jules-levee/ for their classic photo.
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