Preserving Character: The Best Historic-Approved Materials for Windows and Siding


Owning a historic home is a labor of love that connects you to the architectural heritage of your community. Whether you are walking across original hardwood floors or admiring a hand-carved mantel, the "soul" of an old house is irreplaceable. However, when the time comes to address peeling paint, rotting sashes, or warped boards, many homeowners feel a sense of dread. How do you modernize your home’s envelope without losing the very charm that made you fall in love with it?

In the world of historic preservation, the mantra is "repair whenever possible, replace only when necessary." But when the elements have taken their toll, selecting the right historic-approved materials is the most important decision you will make. This guide explores the best options for windows and siding that meet the rigorous standards of preservation commissions while offering the durability and energy efficiency of modern technology.

The Gold Standard: Windows That Honor the Past

Windows are often described as the "eyes" of a home. They define the rhythm of the facade and reflect the specific era of construction—from the small, multi-paned "six-over-six" styles of the Colonial period to the large, elegant casements of the Arts and Crafts movement.

When seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for window replacement, your choice must mirror the original in design, profile, and material.

1. All-Wood Windows: The Authentic Choice

For the strictest historic districts, all-wood windows remain the only acceptable option. Modern wood windows are a far cry from their predecessors, often treated with advanced preservatives like AuraLast pine to resist rot, water saturation, and termites.

  • Top Brands: Marvin (Signature Ultimate) and Pella (Reserve Traditional) are industry leaders in creating custom-milled wood windows that perfectly replicate historic profiles.

  • Pro Tip: If you want the most authentic look, ensure the window features True Divided Lites (TDL), where individual panes of glass are separated by real wooden muntins, rather than a single pane with a plastic grid stuck on top.

2. Aluminum-Clad Wood: The Low-Maintenance Hybrid

If your local commission allows for "compatible materials," clad-wood windows are an excellent compromise. These feature a beautiful, stainable wood interior with a durable, extruded aluminum exterior shell.

  • Why it works: The aluminum cladding is factory-finished in "historic" colors—like forest green, deep burgundy, or cream—that won't peel or flake like paint on wood.

  • Best Options: The Andersen 400 Series and Jeld-Wen Siteline offer exceptional weather resistance while maintaining the traditional interior aesthetic that preservationists love.

3. Composite and Fiberglass: The Modern Alternatives

For homes where extreme durability is the priority, composite materials like Fibrex (a blend of wood fiber and thermoplastic) or high-end fiberglass are gaining ground. These materials offer the insulating properties of wood but with the dimensional stability of a much tougher substance.

  • Compliance Note: These are more frequently approved for "secondary elevations" (the back or sides of the house) rather than the front facade.

Siding Solutions: Durability Meets Heritage

Original wood siding—whether it’s cedar lap, redwood shingles, or cypress board-and-batten—is a defining characteristic of historic homes. However, wood is vulnerable to the "triple threat" of moisture, fire, and pests. When looking for historic siding alternatives, the goal is to match the "reveal" (the width of the board) and the texture of the original.

1. Fiber Cement: The Versatile Impersonator

Fiber cement siding has become the go-to for historic renovations across the United States. Made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it can be molded to mimic the grain and shadow lines of traditional timber.

  • The Hardie Advantage: Products like James Hardie’s Select Cedarmill provide a deep, realistic wood-grain texture. For a more formal look, their "Smooth" finish mimics the sanded, painted wood found on many Federal and Greek Revival homes.

  • Historic Approval: Because fiber cement is non-combustible and dimensionally stable, many commissions approve it as a "compatible substitute" for wood, especially if the home is located in a high-fire-risk area.

2. Engineered Wood: Strength and Length

Engineered wood siding, such as LP SmartSide, consists of wood strands treated with zinc borate and bonded with water-resistant resins.

  • Why Homeowners Love It: It is lighter and easier to install than fiber cement, and it often comes in longer lengths (up to 16 feet), which means fewer unsightly seams on the side of your house. It holds paint exceptionally well, reducing the frequency of maintenance cycles.

3. Cellular Composite and Polymer Siding

For the ultimate in luxury and longevity, cellular composite siding (like Celect) is a premium choice. It replicates the look of hand-clapped wood but uses a "seamless" interlocking joint system that eliminates the gaps where moisture typically enters.

  • For Shingle Styles: If your home is a Shingle Style or a Victorian with "fish-scale" accents, look into TandoShake. These composite panels offer the rugged texture of split cedar shakes without the risk of splitting or graying over time.

3 Tips for Getting Your Materials Approved

Even the best materials won't be approved if they don't fit your specific home's context. Here is how to navigate the review board successfully:

  1. Match the Profile: Take a cross-section of your original siding or window trim to the showroom. The "thickness" and the way the board casts a shadow (the shadow line) are the first things a preservation officer will look at.

  2. Avoid High-Gloss Finishes: Historic wood was traditionally painted with matte or "satin" finishes. Modern vinyl or cheap metal sidings often have a "plastic" sheen that is a red flag for commissions. Stick to factory-applied "low-lustre" finishes.

  3. Provide Samples and Specs: Don't just tell the board you are using "fiber cement." Bring a physical 12-inch sample of the board and the manufacturer’s technical data sheet to show that the dimensions match your original wood.

Investing in the Future of the Past

Choosing historic-approved materials is about more than just satisfying a local board; it’s about ensuring your home remains a valuable asset. High-quality wood-clad windows and premium composite siding not only improve your home's thermal performance and "U-factor" (insulating value) but also command a higher resale price from buyers who value authenticity.

When you invest in materials that honor your home's history, you are protecting the architectural fabric of your neighborhood while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with modern durability.


Navigating the Certificate of Appropriateness: A Friendly Guide to Historic Home Ownership



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