Reimagining the Front of a 1995 Brick Home in Midlothian, VA

This Midlothian home, built in 1995, features a traditional brick façade with evenly spaced, vertically proportioned windows across the front elevation. After nearly 30 years, the original front-facing windows were ready for replacement. The homeowners chose to update all ten windows at once, focusing on maintaining the home’s architectural symmetry while improving performance and long-term durability. 

Because the front elevation defines the home’s curb appeal, consistency mattered. The decision was made to replace every front window—four on the first floor and six on the second—with wood double-hung windows sized to fit the existing openings. 

The new units were custom-sized on both the first and second floors, allowing the proportions of the original openings to remain intact while ensuring a precise fit. Non-standard sizing is often necessary in replacement projects, especially when homeowners want to preserve the character of the original façade rather than alter t rim or brickwork.

The homeowners selected Pella Reserve Traditional double-hung windows to align with the home’s classic architecture. From the exterior, the Classic White EnduraClad® aluminum cladding complements the red brick façade without overpowering it. Inside, Bright White painted pine interiors maintain a clean, finished look that works with existing trim and wall colors. 

Integral Lite Technology grilles in a traditional pattern were chosen to mirror the divided-light appearance typical of Colonial-inspired homes. The first-floor windows feature a 3-over-3 grille pattern, while the second-floor windows use a 3-over-2 configuration, reflecting the proportions of the shorter upper openings. This distinction preserves visual balance across the façade—an important detail homeowners often overlook when replacing multiple windows at once. 

Hardware selections were equally deliberate. White spoon-style locks were installed without sash lifts, maintaining a refined, understated appearance that fits the home’s design without adding unnecessary visual elements.

Beyond appearance, comfort was an important part of the decision. The new windows include Advanced Low-E insulating glass filled with argon gas, a combination designed to help regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year. 

In Midlothian, summers are often hot and humid, while winters can bring noticeable cold snaps. The updated glass helps reduce the amount of outside heat entering the home during warmer months and slows heat loss when temperatures drop. The result is a more consistent indoor feel from room to room—especially in spaces along the front of the home that receive steady sun exposure. 

The homeowners also wanted to preserve natural light. The new glass allows generous daylight to filter inside without creating excessive glare, keeping interior spaces bright while maintaining comfort. 

And because front-facing windows sit closest to the street, noise reduction mattered as well. The insulated glass helps soften outside sounds compared to older units, contributing to a quieter interior environment.

For this project, the existing windows were fully removed before the new ones were installed. Instead of fitting new parts into the old frames, the homeowners chose a more thorough approach so everything—from the frame to the trim—would be properly updated. 

In a brick home, this method allows the installation team to work directly within the original opening and ensure the new windows are carefully fitted and sealed. It also creates a cleaner finished look, both inside and out. The interior trim aligns neatly with the wall, and the exterior maintains the home’s original proportions without gaps or awkward transitions. 

While this type of installation requires more coordination, it provides peace of mind. The new windows feel integrated into the home rather than simply placed within it, supporting long-term durability and a more polished result.

Each double-hung window includes an integrated Rolscreen® on the lower sash only. Unlike traditional removable screens, an integrated screen remains hidden when not in use and deploys only when ventilation is needed. 

For homeowners, this means clearer views throughout the year and no need to store seasonal screens. It also simplifies cleaning and maintenance—an especially practical feature for second-floor windows.

Replacing all ten front-facing windows at once allowed this Midlothian home to maintain architectural consistency while improving performance across both levels. The result is not a dramatic visual change, but a refined one. The proportions remain intact. The grille patterns align. The trim profiles are clean. The brick façade remains the focal point. 

At the same time, the home now benefits from updated glass technology, durable aluminum-clad exteriors and a full-frame installation designed for longevity. 

For homeowners considering window replacement in a brick home built in the 1990s, this project illustrates the importance of preserving original design intent while upgrading materials and performance standards.