I look forward to the window info. I'm restoring the 2 over 2 windows in my home and putting them right back in after almost 140 years of use.

Take the remodeling one step at a time. When the nightmare gets too bad, work on a dream. We're here to listen and may have found a solution to what you are dealing with. Please let us know what you decide about the windows.

Is cost a factor? If it is, I would get three quotes:

1) a quote from your SDL manufacturer on the SDLs. (This sill likely be the least expensive, the most conveniente, and the most objectionable to restoration purists).

2) get a quote to remove, repair and reinstall the existing sashes (this will likely be the most or next-to-most expensive, the least convenient, and applauded by restoration purists).

3) get a quote from a millwork co., or whomever else may manufacture TDL windows. (this will likely be the most or second most expensive, a little less convenient (lead time) and middle-of-the-road objectionable by restoration purists).

It's a sliding scale. Purity on one side, cost and efficiencey on the other. Oh, and I don't buy the quality of the light argument. My guess is that your architect is on the side of the scale of the restoration purists. This is his way of trying to provide you with an actual reason other than "because the TDL is the right thing to do."

Good luck!

jakabedy...

I have tried all 3 of your suggestions and you are about right in your heirarchy of costs. I myself am torn between the restoration purist side and the practicality side. I keep searching for a way to accomplish both. The search may be in vain until new technology comes along. Perhaps I need to look for the company that makes the most convincing SDL. Any thoughts on that? I am willing to pay a little extra, but not go overboard.

I do not like true divided lights. For the windows we've replaced we've gone with Marvin simulated divided lights. At the time they were the manufacturer whose windows looked the most historically acurate, especially with regard to the mullions. Since they (the mullions) are built into the inside and the outside (not snap on or whatever), just like they usually are on the high end true divided lights, they look good. IMO having that ugly metal divider in between the panes of glass doesn't look good when you get close to the windows, and adds nothing good that I can see.

We have 2 over 2 windows and went with TDL sash replacements. I just wanted to be as accurate as possible, and from the inside, the applied mullions just didn't feel right to me. We also still have some of our old windows (on the street side) and the TDLs seemed to match those the best.

Have to concur with the Marvin poster. Our original sashes were missing or in too poor shape to repair. Our Marvin sash replacements were ordered through City Hardware in Astoria, OR. They came out and did all measurements, (the originals must have been constructed on-site. They were all slightly different sizes),informed us of the ogee option, and did a great follow-through. The sashes perform well, and look accurate. (We are in a historical district)

I concur re the Marvin simulated divided lights. I have 2/2's on a new addition to match the rest of the house and I find them convincing. I did not want TDL - more seals = more seals to leak.