Installing windows in an Allentown rowhome
Rowhomes are efficient to heat but awkward to work on. Planning access is half of the job.
The setting
Allentown's older neighborhoods are full of brick rowhomes built close together, with small front yards or none. Interior units share walls with neighbors, so windows are on the front and the back. Some blocks have alleys at the rear, which can make deliveries easier than carrying everything through the house.
What to plan for
Access
Decide whether windows come in at the front, through the house or from the rear.
Protection
Cover floors, stairs and furniture, and cover the opening when a window is out.
Check the brick
Inspect mortar and lintels at each opening; repair before the new window is set.
Seal against masonry
Use backer rod and sealant suited to brick, and do not seal over drainage paths.
Neighbors
Tell neighbors in advance, since noise and dust carry through shared walls.
Local notes
- Older masonry
- Mortar in old brick can be soft, so sealant should bond to solid material.
- Front facades
- On blocks in a historic district, the street-facing windows need a Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Parking and curb space
- On narrow streets, ask the installer to plan where they park and where debris goes.
Keep reading on this site
Permits and historic rules
Historic district certificates, permits and lead-safe work.
Winter installation
Temperature limits, scheduling and keeping the house warm.
Window installation in Allentown
Rowhomes, historic districts and city permits.
Window installation in Bethlehem
Moravian-era streets and South Side rows.
Questions people ask
Can the crew use my neighbor's yard?
Only with permission. Ask your installer not to cross neighbor property without it.
What about a rear fire escape or porch?
Tell the installer about obstructions, since they affect access and safety.
Do I need to remove my own window treatments?
Yes, usually. Ask the installer what they will take down.