New England is the oldest region in America with countless traditional homes ranging from Colonial to Cape Cod. As we celebrate one of the most patriotic time of year, we’re giving some tips on how you can create timeless America curb appeal for your home.
Complement Curb Appeal with Classic Window Styles
The iconic homes of New England date back to the 1600s in Boston, which are classified as First Period homes. You’ll find countless homes that are saltbox style that feature double hung windows and casement windows. These windows are long and rectangular and still serve as some of the most popular replacement windows in MA today.
Even though wood windows bring a sense of nostalgia from eras gone by, you’ll want to replace original wood windows with high quality vinyl. You can have the same classic wood look but with lifetime vinyl replacement windows.
Creating Americana Curb Appeal with These Traditional Window Style Ideas
Looking for some ideas to create beautiful Americana curb appeal for your home? When it comes to your windows, there are several ways to achieve this look and feel such as:
- Six-over-Six Grids: Traditional New England homes often feature windows with a six-over-six grid pattern. This means that there are six small panes of glass separated by muntins on both the top and bottom sash. Consider installing grids in your windows for a touch of Americana flair.
- Dormer Windows: These windows are part of a dormer, a roofed structure that projects from the plane of a sloping roof surface. Dormer windows are very common in Cape Cod-style homes.
- Bay and Bow Windows: In many traditional New England homes, particularly in Victorian-style houses, bay and bow windows are prevalent. They extend from the wall, providing additional interior space and allowing in a great amount of natural light.
- Transom Windows: These are small windows usually installed above doors or larger windows to let in more light. They might be fixed or operable.
- Muntins/Mullions: Traditional New England windows frequently use muntins (inside the glass) or mullions (between separate window units) to create a grid-like pattern.
- Multi-pane Windows: Especially in older New England homes, windows with multiple small panes, or “lights”, are common due to the historic difficulty and expense of producing large single panes of glass. However, be aware that these windows are old and likely very inefficient. While they have multi-panes, they likely only contain one layer of glass. This does not provide any energy efficiency benefits to your home, including low-e or argon/krypton gases.
- Casement Windows: Although less common than double-hung sash windows, casement windows, which are hinged at the side and open outwards, can also be found in traditional New England homes.
- Window Boxes: While not a feature of the windows themselves, window boxes filled with flowers or seasonal decorations are a common sight in many New England towns, enhancing the home’s curb appeal.
Tie in Timeless Window Shutters for an Americana Vibe
According to the Historic Preservation Education Foundation, panel-style window shutters gained their popularity back in the eighteenth century. These shutters are typically associated with Georgian style homes, when shortly after the Venetian shutter became the most popular. Venetian shutters were effective at shielding the sun’s rays without restricting airflow, while panel shutters were best for blocking out icy winds during the winter.
Today, window shutters are mostly for looks unless you live on the coast and use hurricane shutters. However, shutters are a great feature to enhance Americana curb appeal here in New England. To get the most authentic look, choose shutters that look like real wood with paint colors such as dark red, navy blue, or black. Be sure that your window shutters are historically accurate and appropriate for your home.
Why Replace Wood Windows with Vinyl Windows?
Steeped in rich tradition, many historic windows proudly bear the charm of handcrafted wood. Yet, as time marches on, we discover that advancements in technology present us with superior options. Embrace the future with vinyl windows, a choice that brilliantly combines timeless aesthetic appeal with unparalleled durability and ease of maintenance.
Here is how vinyl windows can enhance your New England home:
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- Vinyl frames do not rot and crumble away from moisture damage.
- Reduce the probability of mold infestation as they are made of non-organic material.
- Protect the home’s structural integrity as they don’t allow energy to escape as rotted wood frames do.
- Maximize thermal performance and reduce air infiltration with professional window installation with proper insulation and weatherstripping.
- Our vinyl windows are 20 times more efficient than wood windows. This means the amount of air leakage in one wood window equals 20 of or windows. If windows account for 10% of air leakage in a home, it’s important to have the lowest air infiltrated window on the market.
- To learn more about wood vs vinyl windows click HERE
Install a Traditional (Looks-Like-Wood) Entry Door
Back in the pioneer days, wood was a readily available material that was a no-brainer to use for doors. However, in 2018, wood doors aren’t the most practical choice. Wood doors are problematic because they require a high level of maintenance to remain looking beautiful. The door must be painted, stained, and primed every couple of years for lasting beauty. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an entry door that peels, chips, and is even susceptible to termite damage.
The best way to get the Americana curb appeal that you crave without the maintenance is with fiberglass entry doors. Fiberglass is an ideal front door material due to its easy maintenance and resistance to moisture damage for a LIFETIME.
Fiberglass doors provide the ultimate Americana curb appeal with the following features:
- We have over 20 fiberglass wood stain options but we feel the best wood grain stains are: chestnut, pecan and espresso for that true New England curb appeal look.
- If you prefer a paint color in comparison to a wood stain, a few timeless Americana factory paint finish options include Vallis Red (Hello…Talbot’s red door!), Enzian Blue or Coal Black. Find more beautiful colors for entry doors here.
- Choose fiberglass doors with a PVC heat-resistant vinyl-coated aluminum frame cladding for a rot resistant frame which is warranted not to warp, crack or pull away from the door, even in sunny or higher temperature areas.
- Impact shield that protects the home from harsh storms and break-ins.
- Fiberglass doors maximize energy savings with a polyurethane foam core and decrease energy bills.
Achieve Americana Curb Appeal with Vinyl Siding or James Hardie® Fiber Cement
New England homes are traditionally crafted from wood. While wood has its place, it requires an incredible amount of upkeep. If you do not invest in the expense of sanding, staining and painting every few years, your home will eventually look old and worn. The good news is that you can still keep the historic charm of your home without sacrificing beauty.
Vinyl Siding: Choose Vinyl Shakes for Americana-inspired Curb Appeal
Giving the appearance of hand-split wood, vinyl shakes create awe-inspiring curb appeal with Americana vibes. Providing plenty of beauty and texture, you can enjoy the appearance of a traditional New England home without the heavy maintenance of wood cladding.
Create Your Dream Farmhouse Curb Appeal with James Hardie®
Nothing says Americana more than sprawling farmland with traditional farmhouses dotting the landscape. Hardie® Plank cedar mill siding gives the modern farmhouse look that so many New England homeowners love.
Include Old Glory on Your Front Lawn
The American flag is perhaps the most symbolic item to include with your curb appeal landscaping this holiday. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, it should be displayed often but especially on national and state holidays, or special occasions.
We gave a lot of great tips on Old Glory etiquette in a previous post, but this infographic from Country Living gives a great visual representation on how to properly display the American flag.
P.S.: Don’t forget to spotlight your flag if you choose to hang it at night.
Celebrate Summer with New Roofing, Siding, Windows & Doors
New England homeowners can enjoy summer savings now! Please contact us today for a free estimate or more ideas on how you can create more Americana curb appeal for your home.
