Why should you restore your historic windows?
Windows are contributing elements to the historic façade of a building. https://www.thempc.org/docs/lit/Hist/2020/WinSav.pdf
The lifespan of restoration is less expensive than the lifespan of replacement windows. In most ideal conditions, it would take an average of 70 years to recoup the energy cost savings of replacing your historic windows. Replacement windows are warrantied for 5 - 25 years. https://www.dahp.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Windows%20Energy%20Efficiency%20Facts%20and%20Myths.pdf
Replacement window marketing is mostly made-up nonsense to sell replacements. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2012/08/ftc-warns-replacement-window-marketers-review-marketing-materials https://www.traditionalbuilding.com/opinions/window-myths
It diverts waste from landfills. Construction is one of the most wasteful industries. In 2017, the USA generated over 500 million tons of waste from demolition projects. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-11/documents/2017_facts_and_figures_fact_sheet_final.pdf
Many quality historic materials are (inherently) not made anymore. No old growth lumber is milled, and new growth lumber is more susceptible to rot. Wavy glass is reproduced at a very high cost. https://windowpreservationalliance.org/resources/Documents/WPATopTenReasonstoRestoreorRepairWindows.rev.pdf
Restored historic windows with storm windows are comparably energy-efficient to replacement windows. https://www.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2011/06/Grant-Final-Report-12-3-2010.pdf
You can paint wood windows--you shouldn't paint vinyl windows. You are stuck with that color or a bad paint job, until you have to replace your windows in about 15 years. https://www.windownation.com/blog/post/can-you-paint-vinyl-windows-hear-from-the-experts/
"Maintenance-free" is code for "replace me."
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