One look at the latest window catalogs
proves that interest in historical
imagery is still growing. Windows can
be ordered with a wide variety of trim
options meant to evoke the site-built
windows of yesterday; some of these are
accurate, some not. At the same time
we have the modern clad window,
which is sophisticated in its watertightness
but comes with next to no trim at
all. All of this brings up the recurring
question of how to reconcile new materials
with more traditional appearances.
Traditional Window
Construction
In a traditional wood window, the
joints around the frame are covered
and protected inside and out with
wood casings (see Figure 1).
Casings in older houses had to be
wide enough