Patent ID: 7237365

Claim:
A method of replacing an existing wood window in the framework of a building to retain the original wood window appearance, comprising the steps of: providing a replacement wood frame which has a similar exterior appearance to the existing window, the wood frame comprising: a top horizontal member having ends, each end of the top horizontal member attached to a vertical side member, a bottom horizontal member having ends, each end of the bottom horizontal member attached to the vertical side members so as to construct a substantially rectangular frame with an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a center horizontal member attached between the two vertical members approximately equidistant between the top and bottom horizontal members; routing at least one groove in the center bar of the wood frame; adhering a stiffener with at least one protrusion matched to the at least one groove; inserting a non-wooden double hung window into the wood frame, the non-wooden double hung window comprising: a top horizontal member having ends, each end of the top horizontal member attached to a vertical side member, a bottom horizontal member having ends, each end of the bottom horizontal member attached to the vertical side members so as to construct a substantially rectangular frame with an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an upper and lower metal window sash; fastening the non-wooden double hung window to the wood frame; and attaching the wood frame and non-wooden double hung window combination to the framework of the building.