Replies

1. 
   woodturner9 | Dec 05, 2007 09:43pm | #1

   There have been several threads on here that discuss the pros and cons of replacing vs refurbishing windows.  You may want to refer him to those discussions.  Often refurbishing is a better choice, but not always.

   There are a lot of good books on refurbishing windows, but I've not really been able to find anything decent on replacing windows.

1. 
   popawheelie | Dec 05, 2007 11:05pm | #2

   I don't think he is interested in refurbishing. He's an engineer with two little kids so i think he wants to save some money and do it himself. He's completely restoring his fathers Mustang in his garage so he's pretty handy. I offered to help with his projects. I'm trying to be a good neighbor and help these young families if I can. It would be nice to have a book on the basics of replacing an old window with a new one. It's so common for people to want to do. 

1. 
   woodturner9 | Dec 05, 2007 11:23pm | #3

   He's an engineer with two little kids so i think he wants to save some money and do it himself.

   Sounds like a prime target for "conversion" to the "refurbish, don't replace" denomination :-)

   Disclaimer: I prefer refurbishment over replacement in most cases.

   The only book I have found is the Taunton Press Windows and Doors book. It had an article from FHB explaining the different types of replacement windows and brief directions on the process.  I would like to find a step by step how-to, but have not yet found that book.

    

2. 
   Sasquatch | Dec 06, 2007 01:12am | #4

   I have a couple of Andersen windows, about 23 years old, that could use new glass.  It looks like it would be quite a job to replace.

   I have been looking for info on that subject to avoid replacing an entire window.  In one of my windows, for instance, only the center window in a panel of three has developed a leak between the panes,  I think it would cost about $2k to replace this window, and could get the glass for about a hundred, if I could get the thing apart without destroying it.

   Any ideas?

1. 
   popawheelie | Dec 06, 2007 01:37am | #5

   I had Anderson windows in my last house. They were crank out casements. When one would break you just replace the part that cranks out. In the basement there were about 8 of them with broken glass from the previous owner.

   But there was one that was a fixed window between ones that cranked out that was broken. On the inside there were pieces of moulding that popped out with a little persuation. Behind the moulding were screws that held in the window. I took that to the window shop in town and had them fix it. The whole frame didn't have to come out. Just like a sub frame.

   I'd explore by removing some of the moulding on the inside. I use flat bars or stiff putty knives so there is no damage to the moulding.

    

   Edited 12/6/2007 9:52 am ET by popawheelie

1. 
   Sasquatch | Dec 06, 2007 05:16pm | #7

   Thanks for the info.  I'll give it a try.

2. 
   woodturner9 | Dec 06, 2007 04:21pm | #6

   Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with repairing Andersen windows - the windows I have refurbished have been the traditional wood double hung windows.

   At those prices, I am assuming thes are pretty large windows?

   I vaguely recall seeing an article (maybe in FHB?) on repairing windows such as yours.  I think it is also covered in the window repair book - I'll have to dig a bit to find the exact title.

    

1. 
   Sasquatch | Dec 06, 2007 05:19pm | #8

   I would appreciate it if you have the tiltle of a good book on the subject.  Yes, these are each about 2' X 6'.  I figured I would have to replace all three as a unit, but it looks like luck is on my side.

1. 
   woodturner9 | Dec 06, 2007 07:01pm | #9

    

   I would appreciate it if you have the tiltle of a good book on the subject.

   OK, I found it:

   Author

   Meany, Terry.

   Title

   Working windows : a guide to the repair and restoration of wood windows / Terry Meany.

   Publisher

   Guilford, Conn. : Lyons Press, c2005.

   Edition

   Rev. and updated ed.

   Description

   xvii, 233 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.

2. 
   Sasquatch | Dec 06, 2007 07:39pm | #10

   Great!

   Thanks again.