Durham has some of the most charming older homes in the Triangle. Think of the bungalows in Trinity Park, the brick homes around Forest Hills, or the porches in Old North Durham.
But those homes often come with drafty, rattling windows. If you are ready to replace them, there are a few things to know first. Some of them could change what you are allowed to install.
Is Your Home in a Local Historic District?
This is the first question to answer. It matters more than anything else.
Durham has local historic districts, such as Morehead Hill and Trinity Heights. If your home is in one, the City requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before you change the outside of your home. That includes windows.
The Durham Historic Preservation Commission reviews these requests. It has been openly skeptical of vinyl in local historic districts, so vinyl replacement windows may not be approved there.
National Register Is Not the Same Thing
Many older neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places but are not local historic districts. Trinity Park is a good example. Its own neighborhood association notes that the National Register listing offers little protective regulation.
In those areas, you usually have much more freedom to choose replacement windows.
| Local Historic District | National Register Only | Not Historic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review needed? | Yes, a Certificate of Appropriateness | Usually no | No |
| Vinyl windows | Often not approved | Usually allowed | Allowed |
| Who to ask | City of Durham historic preservation staff | Your HOA, if you have one | Your HOA, if you have one |
Not sure which one you are in? Check with the City of Durham before you sign anything. We are happy to help you figure it out during your estimate.
What Goes Wrong With Old Windows in Durham
Homes built before 1950 often still have their original wood windows, or replacements from decades ago. Here is what we usually find:
- Rotted sills. Years of rain and humidity soften the wood at the bottom of the window.
- Painted-shut sashes. Many layers of paint lock the window closed.
- Broken sash cords. The window will not stay up.
- Single-pane glass. It lets heat pour in during July and leak out in January.
- Out-of-square openings. Old houses settle, and openings shift over time.
Why Older Homes Often Need Full-Frame Replacement
In newer homes, we can often slide a new window into the old frame. That is called a pocket install.
Older Durham homes are different. If the frame or sill is rotted, an insert just hides the problem. A full-frame replacement takes the window down to the rough opening so we can fix the wood and seal it properly. Learn more in our guide to pocket vs. full-frame replacement.
Lead Paint in Homes Built Before 1978
If your home was built before 1978, its old windows may have lead paint. Federal rules require lead-safe work practices when contractors disturb it in homes like these.
Ask any contractor you talk to how they handle it. It is a fair question for an older Durham home.
Keeping the Look of Your Home
Even outside a historic district, you probably want new windows that fit your home’s style. A few tips:
- Match the grid pattern. Many bungalows have a simple pattern on the top sash only.
- Choose a slim frame. Slimmer frames keep more glass and look closer to the originals.
- Pick the right color. White is common, but some older homes look better with tan or darker trim.
- Keep the trim. Original casing and sills add a lot of character when they can be saved.
Our double-hung windows are custom made to fit each opening, which matters in older homes where no two windows are quite the same size.
We Work in Durham Every Week
Our shop is in south Raleigh, and we work in Durham regularly, in neighborhoods like Hope Valley, Forest Hills, Trinity Park, and Old North Durham. See our Durham window replacement page for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need approval to replace windows in a Durham historic district?
In a local historic district, yes. You need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City of Durham before changing exterior features like windows. National Register listing alone usually does not require review.
Can I use vinyl windows in an older Durham home?
Outside local historic districts, usually yes. Inside them, vinyl is often not approved, so check with the City first.
Should I repair or replace old wood windows?
If the frames are solid and you love the originals, repair can work. If sills are rotted, glass is single pane, and the sashes do not work, replacement is usually the better value.
How long does it take to replace windows in an older home?
A bit longer than a newer home, since full-frame work and wood repair add time. Most homes still take a few days once the windows arrive.
Own an older home in Durham? Call (919) 851-0060 or request a free estimate. We will look at every window and give you honest options.
About the Author
Harland Johnson is the owner of Harland Windows & Siding. He has run the company for over 40 years and has personally overseen window, siding, and sunroom projects throughout Wake County and the Triangle. Harland Windows & Siding is an A+ rated, BBB accredited business.