Posted: 3/15/2010 6:33:57 AM EDT
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I am replacing my wood single pane double hung windows. I had a contractor here last week and we discussed window kits (inserts) and "new" construction windows. I leaning toward inserts because of the cost of the new construction but I do not want to install inserts and then later find them to be vastly inferior to new construction. What should I be looking at here both in terms of the type of window I install and what manufacturer's window should I consider? I have 20 regular windows and 3 larger bay windows to replace. The interior wood is fine, the exterior wood is ok on all the windows except those facing west and due to direct sun in the afternoon, it has deteriorated some. This will need to be replaced but all the damage is on the exterior window sill. Please let me know your thoughts on this. |
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As much as I hate Conusmer Report, they had an article in one of the latest mags that had a good write up on the different kinds of replacement windows. Inserts with tracks, just inserts, complete framed replacements as in new construction, and I cannot remember the last type. But the replacement with tracks made the actual glass area much smaller. And go with a brand name like Pella, or something along those lines. 5 years from now, if junior throws a baseball through the window or shoots it out with his Red Rider, you want to be able to get it replaced to match. DO NOT use a company like Sears for installs. They just hire the same guy you can find and double the price.
Also, check out the thermal panes that do not allow the sunlight heat to come through. Those really work great, but don't let them sell you those on the whole house, just the windows the sun hits throughout the day without shade. I'm about to pull the trigger on new windows throughout my house this fall. |
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Im in the process of replacing my windows. I thought about just doing interioir storm windows but for the price of those I just got replacements for a little more. And you get 30% back if you buy qualifying ones when you do your taxes. In my case I bought Pella vynil windows, doubl epane, double hung, low -e argon filled with what they call sun defense with a full screen for about $250 a piece. If you factor that you get 30% back on each wndow it come sout to about $175 per window. I paid someone to install my first 3 but now I am doing the rest myself. |
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Mil-Guard makes a top quality window that is cheaper than Anderson and Pella. I replaced all 21 of my windows in stucco/wood framed house. I used the vinyl double pane, low-e with argon fill. It was easier for me to rip out the existing metal frames and install the new windows. These were the new construction type with the flange/tabs removed.
In rooms where egress was not necessary and where I never opened the windows, I changed to picture windows that do not open. This really makes things quiet. For larger spans, it really doesn't save any money, but the install is much quicker. I hired a pro to install one triple pane, just to see how it was done. I did all of the rest myself. Triple pane is not worth the money. You can order thicker glass and that will help with sound deadening, if you live on a busy street. |
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If the frames on your existing windows are good, you can order replacement vinyl windows that will fit into the opening. All you would nee to do is remove the sashes, and the stop, clean the opening and install the replacement window.
Look at the Jeldwen vinyl window, there are 2 series to choose from, the sierra builders and the premium series. I sell more of the sierra series than the premium. There is about a $50 to $60 price difference but they both carry the same warranty. They can be ordered with a pocket frame and can be sized to fit your window frame opening. Also since they would be replacement, they would qualify for the tax credit that expires in december of this year. Whatever window you get, order it tax credit elegiable. |
| I just did a job with the new construction windows, and since the old ones were removed entirely, I was able to inspect the framing, etc. Good thing, because the old windows were not even chinked, had no sealant of any type, hence I found water damage as well. It turned out great, got the customers their tax credits, and already the home is MUCH more comfortable. Atrium brand, if you are wondering. Quality at a great price. |
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Get the most recent issue of Fine Homebuilding. You can make old windows nearly as tight as the new ones and save $$. Excellent publication. I am a huge fan fan of traditional windows and renovations/restorations, but to say nearly as tight as retrofits or new is probably a reach... |
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Get the most recent issue of Fine Homebuilding. You can make old windows nearly as tight as the new ones and save $$. But that doesn't help when the windows are all fogged up due to the seal drying out between the double panes. I can't see out my front window clearly. |
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I would avoid replacement windows unless you know for CERTAIN that the wood is in good shape. I would put in new construction windows. I did that with my old house and the new wondows made a HUGE difference.
When I built my current house, I went with American Craftsman windows from Home Depot. I special ordered the best ones that they sold. Series 3000, double hung, 7/8 inch double pane, low e coating.....my wife and I really like them. Recommend you go with double hung. I'll never install single hung in my house ever again. Also HIGHLY recommend the Low E on ALL windows. Makes a huge difference in reducing radient heat and in keeping UV light from bleaching things. |
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I did a remodel of all 18 of my windows using Pella 450 series. Spend the extra dollars if you can and use new construction windows. this series comes with Low E and argon filled. These are aluminum clad and prefinished on the inside if you order that option. The one extra I did splurge on was tempered glass. Amazing what impact resistance you get.
Instead of removing all of your interior trim to get a measurement cut out 2 inch sections on 4 sides across from each other. This will allow you to determine what size to order. If you do not have the cash all at once do a couple at a time. I ordered my windows from Lowes and took advantage of the 0% money for 12 months. They will also come out and measure for a fee and when you order they give you a credit. One other tip for install if you do it yourself. Rent a section of scaffold with two walk boards. This keeps you off a ladder and tools at your hand. |
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I bought mine last year. I got the govt credit on my taxes. I bought 10 home depot windows that came to about $1,350 after 10% coupon. They are called "American Standard" and are made by siverline. I got a quote for the exact same windows with the silverline name from a local window place. They came in at $3,500 for the exact same windows. The windows are fantastic. |
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If the frames on your existing windows are good, you can order replacement vinyl windows that will fit into the opening. All you would nee to do is remove the sashes, and the stop, clean the opening and install the replacement window. Look at the Jeldwen vinyl window, there are 2 series to choose from, the sierra builders and the premium series. I sell more of the sierra series than the premium. There is about a $50 to $60 price difference but they both carry the same warranty. They can be ordered with a pocket frame and can be sized to fit your window frame opening. Also since they would be replacement, they would qualify for the tax credit that expires in december of this year. Whatever window you get, order it tax credit elegiable. I live near the Jeldwen plant, and have installed many of their windows...to that I say ANY OTHER BRAND BUT JELDWEN. They suck! half the time the windows are not square, are poorly built, and the operating sashes are usually clunky to operate. Spend the money and get a good Pella window! |
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If the frames on your existing windows are good, you can order replacement vinyl windows that will fit into the opening. All you would nee to do is remove the sashes, and the stop, clean the opening and install the replacement window. Look at the Jeldwen vinyl window, there are 2 series to choose from, the sierra builders and the premium series. I sell more of the sierra series than the premium. There is about a $50 to $60 price difference but they both carry the same warranty. They can be ordered with a pocket frame and can be sized to fit your window frame opening. Also since they would be replacement, they would qualify for the tax credit that expires in december of this year. Whatever window you get, order it tax credit eligible. I live near the Jeldwen plant, and have installed many of their windows...to that I say ANY OTHER BRAND BUT JELDWEN. They suck! half the time the windows are not square, are poorly built, and the operating sashes are usually clunky to operate. Spend the money and get a good Pella window! My experience has been just the opposite. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
If the frames on your existing windows are good, you can order replacement vinyl windows that will fit into the opening. All you would nee to do is remove the sashes, and the stop, clean the opening and install the replacement window. Look at the Jeldwen vinyl window, there are 2 series to choose from, the sierra builders and the premium series. I sell more of the sierra series than the premium. There is about a $50 to $60 price difference but they both carry the same warranty. They can be ordered with a pocket frame and can be sized to fit your window frame opening. Also since they would be replacement, they would qualify for the tax credit that expires in december of this year. Whatever window you get, order it tax credit elegiable. I live near the Jeldwen plant, and have installed many of their windows...to that I say ANY OTHER BRAND BUT JELDWEN. They suck! half the time the windows are not square, are poorly built, and the operating sashes are usually clunky to operate. Spend the money and get a good Pella window! I put in some Pella windows in my last house and was not very happy with them. Poorly made. Now they were not their top of the line models though so maybe their higher grade ones would be better made. I have been very happy with the highest grade of American Craftsman windows from Home Depot. There are other good ones out there and some are probably even better than American Craftsman windows. But, the American Craftsman models are good for the money. |