Your historic home deserves glass that respects its character. Period-appropriate restoration glass, traditional glazing techniques, and SHPO-compliant installations for the DMV's finest historic properties.
Georgetown row houses. Alexandria Old Town colonials. Capitol Hill Victorians. Kalorama embassies. We understand the materials, techniques, and preservation regulations that protect these irreplaceable buildings. Our glass work honors the past while meeting the needs of modern living.
20+
Years Exp
4.9
Star Rating
100%
SHPO Approved
Fully
Insured
The Preservation Challenge
You cannot put modern float glass in a 150-year-old window and call it a day. Historic homes require glass that matches the original character, installation techniques that respect the existing construction, and compliance with preservation regulations that most glass companies have never heard of.
Modern float glass is perfectly flat and uniform. Historic glass has waves, bubbles, and thickness variations that give it character and authenticity.
Historic districts have review boards that must approve exterior changes including glass replacement. HPRB in DC, BAR in Alexandria,
All work on designated historic properties should follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. These standards prioritize preserving original materials and using compatible replacement materials. Our work meets these standards.
Historic windows were glazed with linseed oil putty, not modern silicone. Using the wrong glazing compound can damage historic wood and look inappropriate.
Finding glass that matches the character of 100+ year old glass requires specialty sourcing from a handful of manufacturers worldwide.
Historic windows rarely match modern standard sizes. Each opening may be slightly different from the next.
We source period-appropriate glass, use traditional techniques, and navigate preservation regulations so your historic windows look as authentic as the day they were first installed. Call for a free consultation.
Our Services
Replacement of broken or damaged glass panes in historic windows using restoration glass that matches the visual character of your original glass.
Custom-fabricated interior storm windows with Low-E glass that dramatically improve energy efficiency without altering the exterior appearance of your.
Restoration of leaded glass windows including re-leading deteriorated came, stabilizing bowed or sagging panels, replacing broken glass pieces with.
Glass installations that meet the requirements of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), Alexandria.
Glass Types
Mouth-blown cylinder glass was the standard window glass throughout the 19th century. Characterized by gentle waves, faint lines from the blowing process, and slight color variations. Our restoration glass suppliers produce modern equivalents in multiple distortion grades.
The oldest type of window glass found in DMV historic properties. Produced by spinning molten glass into a disc, resulting in concentric circular distortion patterns. Extremely rare and valuable. We source specialty glass that replicates crown glass character for replacements in the oldest historic buildings.
Glass with visible waves, bubbles, and seeds (small trapped air bubbles) that give historic windows their characteristic shimmer and life. Modern restoration glass is available with varying levels of distortion and seed density to match virtually any existing historic glass.
Decorative glass assemblies using lead came to join individual glass pieces into patterns. Found in Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Arts and Crafts style homes throughout the DMV. We repair, re-lead, and protect these irreplaceable artistic elements.
How It Works
We assess your windows in context: the building's age, architectural style, existing glass type, sash condition, and the requirements of your local preservation authority. We identify exactly what type of glass you have and what is needed to match it.
We develop a scope of work that meets both your functional goals and preservation requirements. If permits or preservation board approval are needed,
We source restoration glass that matches your existing glass character. You approve samples before we proceed. For leaded or stained glass,
Our technicians install the glass using traditional techniques appropriate for your window type. We use period-appropriate glazing compounds,
Interior storm windows with Low-E glass can cut energy loss by 50% or more while preserving your original windows exactly as they are. No exterior changes. No preservation board issues. Just lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.
Client Reviews
“Our 1850s Georgetown row house had several broken panes. Every glass company we called wanted to install modern float glass. Expert Glass sourced restoration glass that matches the original wavy character perfectly. You cannot tell which panes are new and which are original. They understand historic homes in a way no other glass company does.”
Elizabeth W.
Georgetown, DC
“Our 1790s Federal townhouse was freezing in winter but we could not change the original windows in the historic district. Expert Glass installed interior Low-E storm windows that are nearly invisible and cut our heating bills dramatically. The BAR approved them without issue. Best improvement we have made to the house.”
James M.
Old Town Alexandria, VA
“The leaded glass transom over our front door was sagging and several pieces were cracked. Expert Glass carefully removed the panel, had it re-leaded and the broken pieces replaced by an artisan, reinstalled it, and added protective exterior glazing. It looks magnificent. This is the kind of skilled work that preserves our neighborhood character.”
Catherine H.
Takoma Park, MD
Service Areas
The DMV has some of the richest architectural heritage in the country. We serve historic homeowners across every jurisdiction, working with local preservation authorities to protect the buildings that define our region.
Old Town Alexandria, Fairfax City Old Town, Leesburg Historic District, Occoquan, Middleburg, Waterford, Arlington (Maywood, Ashton Heights, Lyon Village), Vienna, Clifton, Manassas Old Town
Historic glass for Northern Virginia's designated historic districts. We work with the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review (BAR), Fairfax County Architectural Review Board, and local preservation bodies throughout the region. From Federal-era townhouses to Arts and Crafts bungalows.
Takoma Park, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Garrett Park, Hyattsville Historic District, College Park, Bowie, Laurel, Ellicott City, Annapolis (when extended service)
Maryland historic glass for Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Howard County historic properties. We work with Maryland Historical Trust requirements and local Historic Preservation Commissions.
Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Kalorama, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Foxhall, Spring Valley, Anacostia, Mount Pleasant, Columbia Heights, LeDroit Park, Blagden Alley, Swann Street, Logan Circle
DC historic glass for the city's 46+ designated historic districts. We work regularly with the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), understand the DC Historic Preservation Act, and prepare approval applications that get approved.
Common Questions
Ready to Start?
Your historic home is irreplaceable. The glass in its windows is part of its character, its story, its value. Let us help you preserve that character with period-appropriate glass, traditional techniques, and the respect your home deserves. Call today for a free preservation consultation.
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