Best Windows for Heritage and Century Homes in Ottawa
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Many older homes in Ottawa still have their original windows, and it shows. If you live in a heritage property or century home, you’ve likely dealt with drafty rooms, rising energy bills, and outdated hardware that sticks or fails. They’re signs your windows need replacing.
However, you don’t have to sacrifice your home’s character to make it efficient and comfortable again. At Buildmart, we help homeowners upgrade their old windows with modern, high-performance systems — while preserving the original style.
Why Window Replacement Is Essential in Older Ottawa Homes
Most historic homes were built with single-pane wood windows that offer little insulation. Even if the glass is intact, those windows aren’t made for today’s energy standards. They leak heat, collect condensation, and do almost nothing to block outside noise.
Replacing these outdated windows can have an immediate effect — not just on how your home looks, but on how it feels. A properly installed triple-glazed window reduces heat transfer, eliminates drafts, and improves acoustics. That means no more layering socks indoors in January or hearing every car on the street while trying to sleep.
Crucially, upgrading your windows doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the distinctive look of your home. With the right materials and design features, your new windows can match the proportions, frames, and decorative touches of the originals — just with 21st-century performance baked in.
Fully Custom Windows Designed Around Your Home
We specialize in full-frame replacement windows made for older homes. That means we remove the entire old unit — frame and all — and install a custom-fit replacement with new insulation, airtight seals, and the correct proportions to match the original window openings.
Every window is tailored to your home’s design. We’re not cutting corners or forcing modern styles onto classic facades. You’ll work with our team to find a configuration that makes sense for your layout, budget, and goals. That includes:
- Frame materials: durable composite that looks like wood, or aluminum-clad for long-term protection
- Colour options: factory-painted exteriors and interiors to match existing trim
- Grille styles: colonial, prairie, Victorian, or custom patterns that echo original designs
- Opening types: fixed, casement, awning, double-hung, or tilt-and-turn
- Glass packages: triple glazing, Low-E coatings, argon fill, privacy tints or laminated options
Our goal isn’t to modernize for the sake of modernizing. It’s to give your home what it should have had all along: quiet interiors, energy-efficient glass, and a better relationship with natural light.
If your old windows feel small or dark, you’re not stuck with the same layout. We help heritage homeowners reimagine their window setup without disrupting the home’s appearance. That might mean adding a larger fixed window in the dining room, combining two narrow openings into one wider casement unit, or switching to a bay window that brightens up a dark living space.
The result? More light, better airflow, and a more usable home — without sacrificing character.
We also handle door replacements, so your new windows won’t clash with an outdated or underperforming entryway. Together, they create a unified, insulated envelope that elevates your curb appeal and your comfort.
Visit our Instagram to see how we’ve transformed older homes across Ottawa — from stone war houses to red-brick Victorian rows.
Energy Savings That Start Right Away
Our windows don’t just look better — they work better. Every unit we install is built for Canadian winters and rated for Ottawa’s Energy Star Zone 3.
- Triple-glazed for insulation
- Argon-filled chambers to block heat transfer
- Warm-edge spacers to reduce condensation
- Multi-point locking hardware for a tighter seal and added security
You’ll feel the difference the first night: no more temperature swings, no more cold zones, and no more hearing every car on the street as if the window were open.
Rebates and Zero-Interest Loans That Help Cover the Cost
There’s real financial support available — and we make sure you can use it.
Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program, launched in 2025, offers up to 30% back on energy-efficient home upgrades, including triple-glazed windows and exterior doors. The Canada Greener Homes Loan provides up to $40,000 in interest-free financing, repayable over 10 years — a smart way to manage costs while improving long-term comfort and efficiency.
Depending on your municipality, you may also qualify for local energy rebates.
Renovation Backed by Experience
Replacing windows in older homes doesn’t have to mean major construction or disruption. With Buildmart, it’s a clean, well-managed upgrade handled by people who understand both heritage architecture and energy performance. We take care of everything — measurements, permits (if needed), full-frame installation, and even matching door systems to complete the look.
Let’s bring your home into the future — quietly, comfortably, and beautifully.