Windows are a character defining feature on any home. One of the biggest mistakes that a homeowner can make, when replacing windows, is choosing a style that is wrong for the style and period of the house. The Old House Guy (www.oldhouseguy.com), a website dedicated to educating homeowners on their older homes, offers suggestions to guide them through proper restoration of their historic properties. They explain that during the 1700's and into the mid 1800's, a double-hung window sash would be composed of smaller, true divided lites. The upper and lower sash could have 6, 9, or 12 window panes in each sash. As technology improved, larger panes of glass became available. Houses constructed after the Civil War (Victorian architecture) would most likely have two window panes in the upper sash and two window panes in the lower sash. The Colonial Revival style of architecture would have six window panes in the upper sash and one large window pane in the lower sash. Although the late 19th century offered double-hung windows with one solid pane in both the upper and lower sashes, the type of window was dependent on the style of architecture at the time.
Soft-Lite has announced that they now offer Simulated Divided Lites for its vinyl windows and patio doors. These Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs) offer homeowners the opportunity to achieve a visual replica of the historically classic design of divided lite windows, at a more cost-efficient price. The SDLs are made by applying contoured grids during the production process to the outside of both the interior and exterior panes of glass. The grids are then permanently adhered to the glass with an incredibly durable adhesive. SDLs are available on Soft-Lite Elements Windows and Kingsroyal Glide Sliding Patio Doors. Products with Simulated Divided Lites are available with all of Soft-Lite's high-performance Low-E glass systems and are offered in all of Soft-Lite's interior and exterior color options. This is an exciting advancement for Soft-Lite's product line and will surely offer homeowners even more personalized home renovation opportunities that properly compliment the style and period of their home.
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