Older Des Moines Homes and Lead-Safe Window Work
Des Moines has many neighborhoods of older homes, from early 1900s houses to postwar ranches. Many were painted with lead paint, and windows are where it's most often disturbed.
Request a window quoteWhy windows
Friction from opening and closing old sashes creates lead dust.
Lead-safe rules
Contractors working on pre-1978 homes should be EPA-certified and follow lead-safe practices.
Containment
Plastic sheeting, careful removal and cleanup keep dust from spreading.
Children and pets
Keep them away from work areas.
Paperwork
Certified renovators should give you the Renovate Right pamphlet.
Insert installs
Insert replacements disturb less paint than full-frame work.
Plaster walls
Ask how plaster will be protected around the trim.
Testing
If unsure, have paint tested before work starts.
Next
See double-hung windows.
Weight pockets
Old double-hung windows often have hollow weight pockets beside the frame. Filling them with insulation during replacement removes a hidden source of cold air.
Sills and stools
Thick old wood sills and interior stools can often stay and be refinished if they're sound; if they're soft, replace them during the job.
Historic districts
Some neighborhoods have design rules for visible changes. Check before choosing styles and colors.
More window replacement guides
Drafty, foggy or hail-damaged windows?
Send a request and a window installer will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
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