Let’s learn how to choose replacement window features and elements that complement a Colonial home’s original design.
We at Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro chose this topic because you don’t have to go very far from home in any direction to find a delightful mix of architectural styles with strong colonial-influence. Especially in some of our older communities, you are likely to find many houses inspired by the homes that early Americans left in the Old World as they migrated to the New World across the ocean from the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries.
Fortunately, the original building materials have been replaced by energy-efficient solutions and over time some modifications were adopted to improve functionality, but the charm and beauty of old-world design are still popular.
So, let’s talk about Colonial home characteristics and how your replacement windows fit in.
Believe it or not, one of the most popular colonial-influenced home styles is the ranch. The Colonial ranch is all about balance and symmetry. Identical windows with matching grilles flanking a central entrance door is quintessential ranch. Older homes, and most today, featured a brick or clapboard facade depending on preference and the time period of construction.
Many homes today use transoms with clear or patterned glass and vertical grilles above the entrance door or the windows on either side of the door as a point of visual texture that wasn’t seen in the original design. Another design element that wasn’t seen in early homes, but one that does not detract from the original beauty or balance is mulling half-circle fixed windows above the narrow sidelights to add a modern touch.
You’ll find many Colonial-influenced home styles in our older neighborhoods, including Georgian, Federalist, Cape Code and Dutch Colonial homes, each with its own unique appeal and historical significance.
A Cape Cod home is by design efficient, functional and sturdy. Unlike the ranch, which is characterized by balance and windows that use grilles to mimic the early windows that were constructed with 9 to 12 smaller glass panes joined together, a New England Colonial is simple and unadorned. Simplicity is the defining characteristic.
Patterned glass and intricate grille layouts would seem out-of-place in this style.
Dutch styling could be described as modest. You may see either a central entrance in the front of the home or a side entrance. Older homes were most often a single-story, but you will find 1 ½ story homes that fall under the Dutch Colonial style. Modern Dutch-inspired homes may have a full second story.
It is common to see homes with dormers to expand the space and usher in an abundance of light and ventilation on second stories. Another truly Dutch feature is the gambrel roof that makes the home look a bit like an old-fashioned barn. This style is a bit like the ranch because you’ll see many symmetrical elements (like the Ranch and Cape Code) because the curb appearance is simple. You can add grilles or leave them off and your home will look historically accurate. You can even add small round or oval windows under the eaves without diminishing the original Dutch flare.
Whether you want to upgrade a Colonial in a New Jersey or New York Metro neighborhood, or you are looking to enhance energy-efficiency in another Colonial-influenced style home, we’ve got you covered. Fill in the short form on this page or dial (866) 609-5033 to discuss Energy Star labeled replacement windows for your home with a Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro representative today.
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