Posted: 10/15/2016 11:37:18 AM EDT
| Going to replace the windows on my late 60s-era house that has those crappy aluminum frame windows. What's the best way to go about this? Does Lowe's or Home Depot have contractors that install the windows, or do they just sell them? If they don't, any advice for choosing a contractor to do the work? |
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They do. My brother had a bunch of windows replaced recently - (he didn't use the BORG contractor, he had another friend of his do it) They removed them from the outside and did not disturb the interior trim and casings. I think they had to do a bit of exterior trim work to make it work. They used vinyl windows - I forget the brand, jen-weld maybe. I believe they had to cut off the mounting flanges and mount through the frames (manufacturer provides instructions to do this IIRC so no warranty issues)
He replaced wood windows from the 50's that required storm sashes etc. I like wood windows, but these were a PITA. I have the same crappy aluminum sliders throughout our house. hate them. |
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Going to replace the windows on my late 60s-era house that has those crappy aluminum frame windows. What's the best way to go about this? Does Lowe's or Home Depot have contractors that install the windows, or do they just sell them? If they don't, any advice for choosing a contractor to do the work? Replacing windows is pretty easy. Trimming them out is the hard part. Make sure you seal 'em up real well. |
Be prepared to pay roughly the purchase price of the window for labor to install the window. The last house I replaced windows at I bought something a little higher end than anything available through the big box stores. Milgard i think. I went with a local window/door contractor and it ran $400-500/window. They did a much better job than I could have done if my one attempt at installing a door taught me anything.
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DIY it, it's not rocket science. Just take your time, have the right tools, and don't use shitty materials. I've used both Milgard and Jeld-Wen, both are fine. Make sure you talk over the various frame options too, before you get into it. (by frame, I mean flange) |
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You need to do about a week of online reading and research so you can make an educated choice. Thermal break, triple pane, tax deduction in your state are just a few.
Exterior finish type on your house makes this job either easy or extremely difficult. And whatever you do, don't hire some cheap hack or you'll get frames that leak and before you notice you'll have mold inside your walls. |
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I went with Milgard (?) for my replacement, they were the only ones that I contacted that could meet the wife's requirement for a center 6x6 pane to view her garden.
This was a 12x6' window and a bitch for them to install, not to mention that since the window was less than 18" from the floor it had to be tempered glass. They just cut the old aluminum frame out of the wall and slipped in the new unit, (mid 80's build). I think it was through Lowe's, they contract out the install IIRC. |
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If you have any Vinyl window manufacturers in the are I would hit them up, disclosure I do not like Window World. I did I think about 13 window replacements and some of them were nearly floor to ceiling. Cost me $6k installed and they are sweet. Could not believe the difference it made it heating and cooling costs. Just Double pained with Argon gas, nothing fancy. |
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Pella pocket windows are good if you want to retain the old casings and trim. They are vinyl and are sized to fit the existing opening.
See here. http://www.pella.com/support-center-articles/interior-pocket-replacement-installation.aspx I would not under any circumstance use Lowe's or Homedepot installer's. If you have basic tools and abilities these windows are easy to install. |
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I used Champion Windows to replace all my old 80s windows. Looks like they have some locations in TX.
I was happy with the upgrade. In the winter I could feel the cold coming off the old windows and the frames were rotting or sticky. The new ones look much better and have features like being able to clean them from the inside. They measured and built the windows to fit which was nice since I had some oddball eyebrow windows. |
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I just had a large window replaced by HD, went great.
I had to request an HD rep come out, measure, show me options. He gave me a quote at the same time. Installed about a108x60 Anderson gliding window, and they matched the outside trim around the window with the rest of older windows. About $1500 |
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I had the windows and siding replaced at the same time. It made more sense for me to do it that way. I found a contractor that had the energy efficient products that I wanted and went with it.
BTW....I saved over 20 kwh per day right off the top. Not to mention, that it's quieter than it previously was. Aloha, Mark |
| Do not use Home Depot. They contract out the installation. I had my windows replaced 4-5 years ago and the installers did such a bad job that Home Depot had to replace every single window again. The initial installers tore up my house so bad I made Home Depot send out painters to make minor repairs to my drywall and to paint the areas screwed up by their so called installers. It took two months before it could be resolved. |
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Anyone want to take a guess at who did not read anything in this whole post 
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If you get Windows 10, which is all you can get anymore, be prepared for a bunch of screwed up files.
Ironic screen name for lack of attention too. |
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I've been replacing the windows in my 1902 house as I go along remodeling. Some got totally replaced with new windows (framing, etc), the more recent ones were simple replacements. I was surprised that Menards carried that size as a stock item, but hey, that makes the price better.
Basically taking out the double hung window from the inside. Since I was remodeling, I didn't care about the trim (before you guys yell about antique woodwork, some shit painted them over years ago). Pulled out the various strips and stuff in the window that held the window frames in, cleaned everything up, put in the new windows, shimmed them level, nailed in, then stuff the minimal cracks with insulation, then caulked. I tell you, I was a little leery at first, since hardly anything in this house is square and level because of 100+ years of settling, but they fit, no problem. |