1940s metal windows
Derek_H
10 years ago
Hi, I have original metal crank out windows for in my 1940 Tudor home that are in bad condition. Several need new glazing and/or have problems with the crank mechanism. Also, they let a lot of air through.
The previous owner dealt with that by installing metal strips about three inches in from the window and then had plastic storm windows made that magnetically attach to the metal strips. So with storm windows blocking the crank systems, many of which do not work properly, the windows are not very functional.
My contractor said it would be about $1500 per window to replace with high-quality wood in the same style, but that a much less expensive option would be to go with vinyl or fiberglass.
I see a lot of posts here saying that repairing the original windows is much better than replacing them with newer, cheaper ones; but would you all say the same thing about these poorly functioning, poorly insulated metal crank out windows? If so, any suggestions on making them more functional and efficient?
Thanks.
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PLEASE Help Me Redo My 1940's House Landscaping!
Comments (9)Well, I would have to agree that if you are moving in two years, you don't want to spend a lot of time or energy on a lot of landscaping. The new owner may not like what you did, and end up ripping it all out and starting over to suit their own taste. That said, I think I'd like to see a small ornamental tree in the area about halfway between the lamp post and house to break up and disguise that large expanse of brick and change of siding material to the left of the big window. Maybe Amelanchier, something not too dense. I'd also like to see something softening the edge of the retaining wall. Low growing Cotoneaster has interesting branch patterns and colorful berries in the fall and winter. Microbiota could cover that bank and provide year round color, or one of the low growing Junipers or other evergreens. That bank is your biggest problem, IMO. Rhododendrons and Azaleas are nice, but once they finish blooming in spring, they will just be foliage. Adding in an Oakleaf Hydrangea for summer flowers and fall color might be nice off to the right side. Unless you go with a Meyer Lilac or a mildew resistant cultivar, you may end up with a mass of powdery mildew for the rest of the summer. Not very attractive. Making the planting area near the house a little deeper to leave some space for a couple of clumps of perennials that bloom at different times of the season will give you some extra interest. Add them in masses, not just one or two, so that when they bloom, you actually can see them....See More1940s Kitchen
Comments (1)Kitchen designs changed in the 40's and fifties to the walls of cabinets with built-in appliances we still use today. Metal cabinets started being used in the 30's - almost 10 years earlier than you have been told. A lot of hand carpentry was still being done, but the rapid delivery of metal cabinets was very attractive, they contained "labor saving features" and were sold as being everlasting. That didn't turn out to be quite true and fashion moved on and almost all cabinets today are wood products. The house may have been built with only the hutch thing and the cabinets might be a later renovation. Or the hutch thing was built by a carpenter and the rest of the cabinets were bought pre-made. It sounds like something seen in a magazine and duplicated, doesn't it? The telephone niche might be exactly that, but is more likely an ironing board cabinet - similar to what ironaway still makes today. I'd love to see a picture. Your counter is possibly original laminate counters - they started to be produced in the mid 30's and became popular by the start of WWII and exploded in the 50's with the intoduction of vibrant colors. If its soft, your counter is linoleum. Cherries have been wallpaper forever, maybe put up a picture of that too - I'll bet someone here could tell you when its made....See More1940s Spring loaded window tracks?
Comments (4)I live in a 1948 house that had lovely wood windows - lots of detail on the muntins. But in order to have storm windows and screens, they had to be triple tracks and I hated them - they were terrible to use and they looked awful on the house. The original storms and screens were the wood kind one had to remove seasonally and store. Well, that's not happening! It took me a long time to decide to replace my windows with Marvin's wood interior/aluminum clad exterior windows. I have never looked back. They are SO easy to put up and down, as are the screens, if I need to do so. They have saved me a ton on my AC and heating bills and I didn't think my old ones were drafty. And the UV coating on the windows has helped prevent fading of fabric and wood. Now, it this were a historic home, it would be another story. But 1948, even a very well-built 1948 house), just ain't the same. I have no regrets....See MoreCurb appeal help for 1940s cape cod
Comments (3)Paint the metal around the posts yes they will be wood underneath but not pretty. I would start with better landscaping if you plant in front of the foundation you will ne need to paint it. Google foundation plantings and you will get all sorts of ideas the same on the right those little shaped bushes need to go add some color . As for the shutters I would paint them , the front door maybe a nice blue Use a metal railing the same color as the posts...See MoreDerek_H
10 years agoThanks, mmarse1. Yes, all of the inside window openings look like that except that some aren't painted. I think only the frame is made of wood. I'm not sure exactly what a return is. Here's a more detailed picture without the storm window.
Thanks,
Derek
PROWindows on Washington Ltd
10 years agoDerek_H
10 years ago- PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago DreamingoftheUP
10 years agofenmaster
10 years ago
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