We rarely recommend "insert" replacements in Chatham. We remove the entire unit down to the studs to inspect for salt-induced rot. We must ensure the framing is sound before investing in new glass.
Water will get behind siding in a Nor'easter. We install non-corrosive, custom-fabricated sill pans (often copper or heavy-duty composite) that capture this water and drain it safely to the exterior, protecting your interior walls.
We install windows rated for "Wind Zone 3." These units feature laminated glass that can withstand flying debris during a hurricane, protecting your home’s envelope even if a branch strikes the glass.
For homes in the Historic District, we utilize Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs). This gives the shadow line and depth of an antique 6-over-6 window while providing the energy efficiency of modern double-pane argon gas.
We mandate the use of coastal-specific hardware packages. We use PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finishes that are guaranteed not to pit or tarnish, even with constant exposure to salt spray.
Why “Replacement Windows” Often Mean “Rotten Frames” Many companies will sell you a “quick fix” by inserting a new vinyl window inside your old wooden frame. In Chatham, this is risky. The old frame has likely absorbed decades of salt and moisture.
By capping over it with aluminum, they trap that moisture inside, accelerating the rot. Lions Siding & Roofing takes the disciplined route. We strip the opening. We correct the framing. We flash it with high-grade butyl tapes. We build a new, rot-proof perimeter using cellular PVC that looks like wood but lasts like stone.
Drafts are expensive. Rot is dangerous. Stop heating the outdoors. Schedule a comprehensive Project Review with Chatham’s exterior experts.
Compliance Without Compromise: Chatham has some of the strictest aesthetic codes on Cape Cod. We are experienced in presenting to the Historic Business District Commission. We know exactly which window specifications (muntin width, light patterns, casing materials) meet approval while still giving you modern thermal performance.
