Energy-Efficient Bow Windows Update 1830s Historic Boston Home

Steeped in history and old-world charm sits this 1830s Charlestown home. Located in Boston’s oldest neighborhood just north of the Charles River, the home is near several historic landmarks including the brick laid Freedom Trail. The homeowners were looking to replace their outdated bow windows with new, more energy efficient ones. They turned to their local window experts at Pella for replacement windows that would uphold the home’s historic charm while providing modern day energy efficiency and sound control.

The primary challenge of this replacement project was maintaining the home’s historic integrity with new bow windows. Pella Lifestyle Series wood windows were an easy choice for this project. Wood windows offer more customization than other window materials so homeowners could personalize the windows to match their historic home and unique style.

The homeowners chose a 5-arc classic bow window with casement windows. The five casement windows form an arc that protrudes from the first floor of the home, providing additional space and ventilation. The low-maintenance white aluminum-clad exterior protects the wood from the elements including rot and corrosion.

In addition to the historic details that wood windows provide, the Boston homeowners were excited to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home. The old bow windows were drafty, making the first floor of the home uncomfortably warm in the summer and chilly in the winter. Energy-efficient bow windows with dual-pane glass slow the transfer of hot or cold air across the insulating air space to make the home more comfortable year-round and help lower energy bills.

The homeowners were elated that their chosen Pella Lifestyle Series bow windows also provide enhanced sound dampening capabilities. In the dense Boston neighborhood of Charlestown, traffic and other city sounds can sometimes be disruptive to sleep or relaxation. The insulating qualities of wood window frames, dual- or triple-pane glass and proper expert installation by the local showroom reduce unwanted outside noises and make for a more peaceful home.