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Replacing Windows - Please Help!!

11 years ago

We just purchased a new home in the Northeast (Long Island, NY) with original windows from 1958. We would like to replace all of the windows as part of a larger renovation but would prefer to not replace the siding on the house at this point.

A few questions...

1) Are we even candidates for replacement windows, or must we go with a new construction product based on the existing metal window frame (see pic)?

2) Our architect has initially spec'd Andersen 400 but I think I may prefer the Integrity by Marvin product based on my initial research. Do either of these present material differences from the other with regard to price, installation or quality? All of the windows will be double hung with SDL grids.

3) Any other project guidance you can provide? I'm a newbie to this and want to try and do it right this time so I don't have to do it again, but also not get "taken" by salespeople.

Thanks so much in advance.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
11 years ago
What is the impetus behind the window replacement?

If you don't like the look, you are always a candidate.

If you are looking purely for energy efficiency improvements, the first place to look is at the attic and other items.

The Integrity is a solid choice and should have all the same available options as the 400. Cost depends on what people are charging up there but you will commonly see them referred to as similarly priced materials.

What else are you doing at the home?

If it is just window replacements, find a qualified contractor and keep reading. You will quickly learn everything that you need to know and focus on.
millworkman
11 years ago
What wow said, and where on L.I., I may be able to help guide you if your interested. I do not sell residential windows but may be able to guide with where to get certain products, you may email me if you wish
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Hi, I am assuming this is not "replacement" but "New Construction" windows where they actually remove all of the old window material and install anew, true? I have no first-hand experience with Herd, Kolbe or Loewen. There was a website 4 years ago complaining about Kolbe problems but that site is now down, likely settled and Kolbe could have improved. I saw Loewen at a friend's house and thought their woodwork beautiful. We have Marvin on our house so this is to share our first-hand own experience. We installed Marvin clad exterior, bare interior for staining 4+ years ago, going on 5 now. So far, everything works as new, no problems. THe aluminum on our French doors are holding up well under "bombardment" by our kids' frisbee, balls, an occasional bike crash. Also get smacked by wind-whipped pea gravel during intense storms. So far, no scratch or dents yet, knock on wood. I do believe though that a sharp object can definitely scratch it, just like it can scratch a car. As for fading problems, nothing yet even after 4 hot summers. THe woodwork was what attracted us to Marvin 4 years ago. Of all the brands we did look at, several were lower-end brands, a couple were higher-end, none could match Marvin's tight, clean and beautiful woodwork, at least at the time. Things may have changed now. WE are on the coast of CA where winter can be mild or snowy, sunny or blowing gust to 60-mph. In the summer, on our exposed slope, it can bake in 105-F degree heat. So far, no leaks, no draft, no nothing. The Low-E II coating with low solar heat gain has worked very well truly cutting our heating and cooling needs. Good installation means it is near dead silent inside. We often can see tree bending in the wind and rain pouring but hear nothing inside unless the rain pounds the roof or hits the windows glass. We no longer use curtain inside. There is no need given our mild winter (>=30-F) and the windows' ability to handle high summer heat. We do drop external solar shade on the southwest side to cut out setting sun. One complaint though is the older standard French door handle. They come loose too easy requiring constant tightening. I don't mind tightening them every so often but given everything is so top-notch, this is just an unnecessary irritation. Other than that, no complaints so far. Good luck whatever choice you make!!!
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twindadd
Original Author
11 years ago
Windows - thanks for the reply, I will try to elaborate.

The impetus is energy efficiency and we will be looking at other areas. The look is also a factor, but not primary.

My question about candidacy was more about installation method. I was told by a few people that new construction windows would effectively require new siding given the existing windows. In your experience, is this correct? We would prefer not to have to replace all of the siding.

We are doing an extensive remodel and this is just one of the items on the list.

Millworkman- thank you for the offer, I will likely email you.
millworkman
11 years ago
I do not believe replacement type windows work effectively if at all in these types of window frames, I may be wrong but I do not believe they do. So you may end up needing new construction type windows which would not necessarily require new siding but the current siding would at the very least be removed or pulled back to allow the new unit to be properly installed. So technically now or when you change the windows would be the most economical time to replace the siding since it will be partially removed for access to the existing window openings.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
11 years ago
+1

I am sure you could get a replacement window to work in this application but there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.

While the siding, provided the warmer temps, can be manipulated and pulled back and put back on, that is a good bit of work to incur for the full/new construction opening.

How does the siding look? If it is on the project plan for a year or two down the road, I would do the windows then and just seal them up good for right now.

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