Hi All,
Mine is a 1930 bungalow in NorCal. I’m thinking of replacing the orig. double hungs. They drip with condensation and then get mildew and even mold. The condensation part is like living in a fish bowl – it seems I live underwater!
I’ve read alternate theories here in BT whether new windows would eliminate this, but my neighbor says his condensation problems stopped completely. I’m also thinking of restoring the windows, but the time investment is pretty steep.
If I choose to replace, can you guys recommend a manufacturer for sloped sill couble hungs? My local window shop has Superior brand windows. The next town has Marvin and Kolbe & Kolbe. Locally, they say you pay extra for the Marvin and Andersen name, but quallity is the same. Agree or disagree?
Thanks.
Replies
I'm just a homeowner. I haven't done a lot of window work. However, I've purchased a set of double paned, wood framed, Marvin double hungs ($400 each), and a $100 Menards' special to replace a few windows in my '29 house.
AFAICT, there's no way the Marvin window is worth 4 times the amount of the Menard's special. Plus, Marvin screwed up the screens and didn't care to remedy the situation.
Unless your older house has been completely retrofitted with new insulation/seals/air exchange, etc...I'm thinking the point of dminishing returns on window expenses is near the lower end of the scale and that you don't really get much more for the name brands Anderson or Marvin.
If this were a new house, then my opinion might be a bit different (though I still find Marvin overpriced and not that great on service).
After looking at what must have been at least ten window manufacturers at the Home Builders show in Vegas, I would say that Marvin, K&K, and Pozzi have the best build, and design integrity.
Now, I am a bit fussy design-wise, (or so my supplier says!) but the rest seemed to have issues with one thing or another. Not saying that there aren't other companies out there that can't get the job done, but I liked those.
Andersons have the respect from some guys I respect, so a nod to them as well, but I think the others looked better.
Have you thought about replacing the sashes and liner/tracks only? I'm doing that in my old victorian, and what a time saver! I get the correct appearance, the major upgrade in weather-tightness, the ability to toss the old triple tracks some previous cretin installed, and a major savings in time and money. Each window takes about 45 minutes to install. I'm using Marvin tiltpacs.
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
Yes, I have thought about replacing the window tracks only, but do you think that will help my condensation problems? I was under the impression that interior humdity interacting with a cold surface (the single paned glass) was causing condensation. So I thought double paned would "raise" the temperature of the interior window glass, hopefully above the dew point. Any thoughts?
Do the tracks help enough in this regard?
Thanks.
Actually, the usual replacement includes the sashes and the tracks. The Marvins I chose were the usual double paned, argon filled, etc. that is referred to, I believe, as "insulated glass".
They work great, and I still have my existing frames, etc, so there was no residing, reframing, or any of that nonsense!Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
Not sure that Marvin's are worth what they charge but I ordered them anyway for my additions here, cause I believe theyre the best window around (and I've installed miles O windows).
Anderson makes the best bang for the buck but they've gone down hill a bit over the years.
Be transparent
andy
My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Replacing single-pane, rope-balanced double-hungs with new units would probably eliminate a lot of problems. However, you could also just replace or rehab the sashes and install spring balances -- there are techniques for doing this that allow double-pane glass to be installed.
Be aware that some fly-by-night replacement window outfits install windows that are poorly sealed around the frames, allowing more leakage in that critical area. Quality of installation is critical.
Had our double hung windows replaced and storms removed. Put in Softlite brand, low-e thermopane, argon gas, tilt in, removable sash, foam filled vinyl frames. Extremely well sealed. Believe home office is in Ky., but you might Google to find dealer near you.
All condensation has stopped, noticeable difference in out side noise reduction. The warranty on the glass is lifetime and transferrable to next owner. Kitchen is stained wood, and Softlite had some wood grained replacements that are very good looking even in the real wood wall trim.
Paul
Put in the Marvin tilt packs in our house in Litte Rock. Not that we had a problem, just upgrading. If you go that route they are darn fine windows, but you should go the extra step and take off the interior trim to remove the weights and insulate/vapour barrier that leaky section. A bit pricey, but custom fit and pretty darn easy to change out. Loved that they didn't have those little locks for tilting, pushing the tracks for tilting was a tad more difficult but kept the original look.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!