Historic Home Restoration Balances Preservation With Critical Repairs

Winnetka Colonial Revival Project Highlights Challenges of Preserving Aging Historic Home Exteriors

Glenview, United States – June 5, 2026 / Siding & Windows Group /

WINNETKA, IL, June 3, 2026 — A century-old Colonial Revival residence in Winnetka has undergone an extensive exterior restoration project after deteriorating siding, aging windows, and concealed structural issues threatened the condition of the historic home. Completed by Siding & Windows Group, the renovation combined preservation-focused design decisions with modern exterior building materials, helping restore the property’s appearance while addressing problems discovered during construction.

Built approximately 100 years ago, the home is representative of the Colonial Revival architecture that remains a defining feature of many North Shore neighborhoods. When the homeowners purchased the property, they identified significant exterior deterioration and began planning a renovation designed to retain the home’s original character while improving its durability and performance.

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Why Did the Historic Home Require Restoration?

According to project documentation, the home’s existing wood siding had deteriorated at numerous seams, creating concerns about the long-term condition of the exterior. The property’s aging windows were also contributing to drafts and limiting natural light in several interior spaces, including dormers, a home office, and a primary bathroom.

The homeowners began working through the design and planning process in August 2024, focusing on solutions that would respect the home’s historic appearance while addressing decades of wear and exposure.

As the project progressed, additional issues emerged that highlighted the challenges often associated with restoring older homes.

What Was Discovered During Construction?

After the original exterior materials were removed, crews uncovered rotted sheathing concealed behind the aging siding system. The project team also identified a deteriorated chimney cap that required replacement.

Both conditions were addressed as part of the restoration effort. Damaged sheathing was replaced, and a new custom chimney cap was fabricated to coordinate with the home’s exterior design and dark bronze gutter system.

The discoveries reinforced the importance of thoroughly evaluating aging building components during major exterior renovations, particularly on historic homes where hidden deterioration may not be visible until construction begins.

How Was the Colonial Revival Character Preserved?

The completed renovation incorporated Hardie siding products throughout the home, including James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding, Shake Shingle siding on dormers, and smooth soffit and fascia components finished in Arctic White.

The project also included Marvin Elevate windows, with several openings enlarged to increase natural light. Additional improvements included Azek PVC crown moulding and historic sills, ProVia fiberglass entry doors, seamless gutters, Owens Corning rigid insulation, and a James Hardie weather barrier system.

By combining these exterior improvements with historically appropriate design elements, the project preserved the defining appearance of the historic home while addressing underlying structural and weather-related concerns.

Why Does This Project Matter?

Historic homes contribute significantly to the architectural identity of communities such as Winnetka. Projects involving older residences often require balancing preservation goals with the need to repair aging materials and improve building performance.

The completed restoration demonstrates how a historic home can be updated and protected for future use while maintaining the architectural details that contribute to the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

About Siding & Windows Group

Siding & Windows Group is an exterior remodeling company serving homeowners throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The company provides James Hardie siding installation, replacement windows, doors, roofing, insulation, gutters, porches, decks, and multifamily exterior renovation services. Siding & Windows Group operates locations in Glenview, Chicago, and Wheaton and serves communities across Northern Illinois.