Am looking at replacing windows in my house. Instead of asking about specific manufacturers, could I ask for advice on types of windows, i.e. what they are made of?
I have a lot of 50 year-old Pella windows made of wood with a maple stain. Wood windows seem to be bad-mouthed by all the salesmen (maybe that’s the reason) that we have talked to. I think it may look funny to have a vinyl window, even with a good fake wood interior with all the nice wood trim we have in the house already.
2 basic questions:
1. What is the best window to put in as far as quality and long-jevity? Wood, vinyl, vinyl clad, aluminum clad, wood clad……
2. We were promised by one gentleman that he could install replacement windows from the outside, leaving the interior trim intact. Is this really feasible? I am dubious that the window could be made to that tolerance, and how can this work if the trim is not perfectly square (I assume the replacement window will be).
Thanks for any advice.
Paul
Replies
Might I ask what's wrong with the windows you have?
Single pane true divided-light with another full pane set inside with bad seals. Air leakage and condensation. Beginnings of decomposition of the wood on the outside. Good windows, but 50 years-old.
Paul
Sounds a bit like my MIL's windows of the same era. Can't remember if they're Pella or what.Have you checked with Pella to see if they have replacement sashes?
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
For my money:
Marvin Integrity: they are fiberglass exterior with wood interior (I think they might come with fiberglass interior as well in a couple of colors.
I also like casement windows rather than double hung because they seem to close better (i.e. mechanically) and give a good seal against the weather.
I think fiberglass is better than vinyl.
FHB has an article a while back on this. worth the read.
Roger <><
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Current issue.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
1. Shop around, there is many levels of quality for every type of window. Best price doesn't always mean best quality.
2. It is possible to install windows from the outside leaving the interior trim untouched. I just put in 10 of them last week. I used vinyl inserts (sliders, casements, fixed, and 1 awning) They turned out great!
Dave
Paul,
There's been a LOT of discussions about windows here in the last week alone! If you do some searching, you'll find lots of info.
DanH asked what's wrong with your current windows. Even though they're 50 years old, you might be better off rehabilitating them than buying new ones. In many cases, the quality of the wood and the quality of the workmanship in your old windows is difficult to find these days.
If you are talking about replacement double hung windows, they can be done without disturbing either the interior or exterior trim. There are contractors that specialize in vinyl replacement windows. There are often local distributors that construct the sash and supply parts for these contractors. Normally, these companies don't make wood replacements. You may have to order wood replacements from a lumber yard or a remodeling contractor, rather than a replacement specialist. Both wood and vinyl replacements can be installed to account for some discrepancy in the opening. Accurate measurment is still important. Wood replacements are quite a bit more expensive than vinyl. There are many national manufacturers as well as local. All don't do things exactly the same. Basically, side slides are installed and there are caps, moldings or scribes that are used to cover any gaps or fit discrepancies inside and out. The system can compensate for differences and weather stripping is often a compression style. The link below is to Andersen replacements. The videos didn't work for me but it will give you an idea of some options. Something like these would be my choice. The current Fine Homebuilding has an article on replacement windows, I haven't seen it yet, link on the page header.
http://www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/Satellite/AW/Page/awGeneral-3/1162992733936
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match