Looking to replace windows - ADVICE/COMMENTS welcomed
We replaced our windows 18 years ago with Marvin, double-hung wooden windows, and have been very happy with them. They tilt out for cleaning, and the hardware/tracks on them is still perfect. I'm sure they have upgraded their products since then. The installation of them is as, or more, important than the window itself, especially if you have an old house. My house is 113 years old, and there was not a right angle to be found in any of the window openings, which is probably typical in many of our houses due to settling, etc. The installer recommended by the place I bought the windows had no clue how to make them fit other than to suggest cutting the new windows to fit the skewed openings (!), which would have immediately nullified the warranty, and was an utterly stupid suggestion anyway. We hired (the young!) Jarek, who dismantled most of the window openings, straightened them out with his amazing carpentry, then installed the windows easily. Be careful who you get to put them in!
Wow. Who measured for your windows? They really blew it. I've installed over 100 replacement windows. The openings are seldom square. You have to take that into account when you size the replacements. That poor installer got royally screwed by whoever measured. Probably a salesman.
A few years back, in stages, we used Renewal by Anderson and are very happy with our windows.
snowmom said:
50+ year old windows need replacing. Have not read good things about Anderson Replacements - anyone have experience in this matter? Many thanks in advance
How about re-conditioning the existing windows, so you maintain the character of the house?
I replaced some windows a couple of years ago with Jeld-Wen windows and am very happy with them. Double-hung, wood windows that tilt to clean. Agree that the installation is key.
I did this with my windows about 5 years ago and so glad I did. I was told that my windows were milled from 100 year old wood which is more substantial than what they use today. If refurbished they'd last far longer than anything on the market today, and you'd be honoring the environment. Remember, your windows are the "eyes" of your home, and authenticity makes a difference!
tomcat said:
How about re-conditioning the existing windows, so you maintain the character of the house?
You are lucky to have the original windows in your house. Some of us have to deal with old Maplewood houses whose previous owners replaced original windows with crappy vinyl windows 30 years ago, and thus more replacement windows are our only option. I only wish I could refurbish the original windows!
Okokokok said:
I did this with my windows about 5 years ago and so glad I did. I was told that my windows were milled from 100 year old wood which is more substantial than what they use today. If refurbished they'd last far longer than anything on the market today, and you'd be honoring the environment. Remember, your windows are the "eyes" of your home, and authenticity makes a difference!
tomcat said:
How about re-conditioning the existing windows, so you maintain the character of the house?
My house is in Vermont so I went through the state historic preservation site to get referrals; but here's some recommendations on this site.
Ditto!!
finnegan said:
You are lucky to have the original windows in your house. Some of us have to deal with old Maplewood houses whose previous owners replaced original windows with crappy vinyl windows 30 years ago, and thus more replacement windows are our only option. I only wish I could refurbish the original windows!
Okokokok said:
I did this with my windows about 5 years ago and so glad I did. I was told that my windows were milled from 100 year old wood which is more substantial than what they use today. If refurbished they'd last far longer than anything on the market today, and you'd be honoring the environment. Remember, your windows are the "eyes" of your home, and authenticity makes a difference!
tomcat said:
How about re-conditioning the existing windows, so you maintain the character of the house?
snowmom said:
How does one go about "re-conditioning" or "refurbishing" windows?
Start by deciding what is 'wrong' with your existing windows.
- Broken sash cords/chains can be replaced.
- Failing glazing can be replaced.
- Cracked panes can be replaced.
- Windows stuck (painted shut) can be released.
I recently worked on 10-15 windows in a house from ca. 1790, where some had been painted shut for 100+ years (in excess of 10 coats of paint), and got them all back to working order.
A significant window 'problem', is failing to discuss the windows with your house painter when it is time to repaint. They need to:
- remove the storm window.
- scrape the built-up paint off the window frames.
- repaint the windows without painting them shut.
If you do not ask for proper painting of windows, you will end up with a half-as*** job, which someone else has to rectify in the future.
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50+ year old windows need replacing. Have not read good things about Anderson Replacements - anyone have experience in this matter? Many thanks in advance