Window replacement costs in Allentown

Own a house in one of Allentown's historic districts? Then the design guidelines City Council adopted in February 2022 have blunt words about vinyl. Vinyl windows aren't appropriate, they say, because of a short lifespan, poor performance and an inability to match historic profiles. Wood is the preferred material for most replacements. Aluminum-clad wood is named as an appropriate alternate, and composite or fiberglass with a paintable exterior can work if it matches the original look, though the guidelines don't recommend those on sustainability grounds.

The guidelines get into the details. Double-glazed windows with simulated divided lights go in only after you consult staff or the Historical Architectural Review Board, and the muntins attach to the outside of the glass, not sandwiched between the panes. Changing the size of an opening takes a building permit, because it changes the facade. And they warn against wrapping wood sills in metal or vinyl, since that traps moisture and can cause more damage.

For an old window, the guidelines' first answer is repair: fix or replace the broken piece, sash cords and pulleys included, before replacing the whole unit.