Preserve Character While Restoring Window Performance

Ruby Construction installs windows designed for historic and older buildings in Kansas City.

When you own a home in one of Kansas City's historic neighborhoods, replacing windows means balancing the look of the original architecture with the need for better insulation and weather protection. Single-pane wood windows with wavy glass and divided lights define the character of older homes, but they also let in drafts, rattle during storms, and require frequent painting. Ruby Construction installs windows that match the proportions, muntins, and sightlines of historic units while using modern materials and glazing techniques that improve energy performance and reduce maintenance over time.

This service involves evaluating your existing window openings, selecting units that replicate the original appearance, and installing them with methods compatible with older framing and masonry. You work with Ruby Construction to choose between true divided lights, simulated divided lights, or internal grids depending on what your building's era and style require. The installation includes adjusting sills, repairing or replacing trim, and ensuring new units operate smoothly without altering the exterior look that gives your Kansas City home its historic value.

If you're restoring a historic property or maintaining an older building, reach out to discuss window options that meet both performance and preservation goals.

How Historic Window Installation Differs From Standard Replacement

Ruby Construction measures each opening carefully because historic homes in Kansas City often have custom sizes and non-standard heights that require special ordering. Installers remove old windows without damaging surrounding brick, stone, or wood trim, then check the condition of the sills and jambs before fitting new units. Techniques include mortise-and-tenon joinery, hand-applied putty for glazing, and careful placement of flashing to work with older exterior materials that don't have the same moisture barriers as modern construction.

After installation, you'll notice rooms feel warmer in winter and cooler in summer without losing the visual detail that defines your home's period. New windows open and close more easily than deteriorated originals, and you no longer need to prop them open or worry about broken sash cords. The glass remains clear without condensation between panes, and exterior paint or stain on wood frames lasts longer because modern coatings resist moisture better than older finishes.

This work requires coordination with local preservation guidelines if your building is in a designated historic district, and Ruby Construction can assist with documentation needed for review. The service focuses on exterior windows and does not include interior millwork such as crown molding or wainscoting, though trim around the window can be repaired or replaced as part of the installation.

It's Natural to Wonder How This Affects Authenticity

Property owners restoring historic homes often ask how new windows will look compared to the originals, whether installation will damage existing materials, and what options meet code requirements while preserving appearance.

What makes a window suitable for a historic building?
You need windows that match the original proportions, muntin widths, and glass types used during the building's era. Ruby Construction selects units with appropriate sightlines and materials that replicate the look of wood, metal, or divided-light configurations common in Kansas City historic districts.
How does Ruby Construction protect original trim and masonry during installation?
Installers use hand tools and careful prying techniques to remove old windows without cracking brick or splitting wood trim. Damaged sections are repaired or replicated to match existing details before new windows are set.
Why do older buildings need specialized window installation?
Historic structures often lack the sheathing, vapor barriers, and standardized framing found in newer homes, so installation techniques must account for different materials and construction methods. Proper flashing and sealing prevent water intrusion without altering the building's original appearance.
When should I replace windows in a historic home?
Replace windows when you notice rot in the sills or frames, broken glass that can't be repaired, or drafts that make rooms uncomfortable despite weatherstripping and caulking. Ruby Construction can evaluate whether repair or replacement makes sense during a site visit in Kansas City.
What happens if my building is in a local historic district?
You may need approval from a local preservation board before replacing windows. Ruby Construction provides specifications and photos to support your application and ensures new units meet district guidelines.

Ruby Construction evaluates your building's age, style, and condition during the initial consultation to recommend windows that preserve character and improve performance. Get in touch to schedule a review of your historic property in Kansas City.