Replacing wooden windows

17 years ago

Hello. We are going to be renovting our kitchen. We have decided to replace the windows in our kitchen with new ones. Our home was built in 1954 and the windows are wooden, double-hung, with true divided light panes. Our contractor said that he would be replacing our windows with "silver line" Anderson Windows. Could someone place advise me on these windows? Are these low end windows? We definitely want wood on the inside, but don't mind some type of weather-resistant finish on the outside, provided that it doesn't look cheap or bad. We have two Anderson french doors that we put in several years ago, and have been pleased with them. Our home is in an older, established neighborhood and we plan on living here forever.

Anybody have any thoughts? Thanks!!!!

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Comments (2)

jejvtr
17 years ago
ckm

Why are you replacing the windows?????

Don't let a contractor sell you new windows when your old windows may be the best windows for your house - those are the ones your house came with - Unless you told me they were vinyl or totally rotted out I'd say replace

If not maybe they just need some rehab/repair

I just went through this in my home built in 1930 the best decision was to KEEP the beautiful old windows and have them refurbished - which is what we did

DO some research before you commit to new

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/12216.shtml

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/838.shtml

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infwindows/infdhwin.shtm

http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief09.htm

http://www.jeffgreefwoodworking.com/pnc/hmimp/DblHng/index.html

http://bobvila.com/BVTV/HomeAgain/Video-0717-04-0.html

http://www.greenwichwindowdoctor.com/

Do a cost analysis - price of window replacement - include everything, hardware, painting etc... & what energy cost savings "might" be - don't believe they will yield the percentages reported - then figure out how long you will need to own the home before you can re-coup your expenditure - in my case I think it was over 10yrs hubby is a banker and felt that was a bad investment

I have my eye on detail and there are not too many new windows on the market with the architectural detail of the old

You can also purchase Interior storm windows and insulated shades - keep warm in winter - heat out in summer I just found a woman who makes incredibly insulated shades

http://www.cozycurtains.com/

Hope some of that helps
pebbles396
17 years ago
ckm - I agree if you don't hate your old windows then rehab them. However I hate the fact taht my 1912 windows are a huge pain to open, the bottoms 'ooch' (my technical word) down, and don't like the rattle, breeze, and general annoyances.

Different people choose to replace for different reasons, obviously as pointed out don't let energy savings be your only one.

My house doesn't have insulation and a blow in would lead to more problems than a simple high heating bill. We deal with heat loss and higher bills because dealing with mold getting in behind stucco is a health risk.

Everyone has to make their own decision, but if your contractor is getting a cut obviously he has big motivation to sell you new windows. Follow your gut, not your contractor.
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What was your "repair specialist" indicating when he said the glass can be replaced? All single pane glass can be replaced, however, as Millworkman said, most older wood windows are not well suited to accommodate a dual pane IGU. The added thickness and required material removal from the wood sash often weaken the window to a point that is not acceptable to anyone else but the person selling the service. Fiberglass is a fine option but will come at a premium but may give you the look you are looking for. Good vinyl does not yellow so put that out of your mind for consideration.
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If you replace your wood windows rather than restoring them, you will be making a mistake you will regret forever. There is not window made today that stacks up against a restored old wood window, except a very expensive wood window made by Kolbe -- which is, by the way, made exactly the same way as the old wood windows. Look on this forum for all the trouble people have with their new thermal windows -- from every manufacturer, not just a few. The U.S Park Service, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, and scores of other disinterested (ie not window manufacturers) have looked at the merits of restoration vs. replacement, and all have come down on the side of restoration. Take a look at these sites for more information: Repair or Replace Old Windows The Repair of Historic Wooden Window Your Old Windows
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Not sure why my post did nto appear. These are my photos in previous post. They are Wenco windows, installed in 2001. Wenco was bought by Jeld Wen. Would like to repair instead of replacing the casement windows.Have had a few contractors that didn't seem interested and said to replace but one fellow said they could be repaired with Bondo. First, he would dig out the rotted wood, replace it with Bondo, sand and paint. He also suggested using PVC for the window sill which i initially opposed, but when shown the sample, thought it looked fine. Thoughts?
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+1. I'd get some clarification on the repair aspect with the rotten wood. Nothing wrong at all with doing a replacement where that bad wood is replaced before capping, he is correct that it will still be cheaper than a full tear out unless there is an abnormally high volume of it... If the guy says to just cap over though, I'd agree that is a red flag.
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Replacing wooden windows

Comments (2)

jejvtr

pebbles396

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