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windows repair or replace?

6 years ago

Should we replace our old aluminum windows with all new fiberglass windows if we will only be in house ten more years? The seals on the old windows keeps breaking. We've been told we are just throwing good money after bad by spending thousands on replacing the glass in the old aluminum windows from the late 70's.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Window1
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I agree. Even if you only stay in the home for 5 years i would replace.

you may want to consider " high end vinyl" due to superior performance over fiberglass. High end vinyl is very durable and will have a nice look opposed to the cheaper contractor grade vinyl windows found in most home improvement stores.
akrotiri13 thanked Window1
akrotiri13
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for the advice. I am, however confused about "high-end vinyl" versus fiberglass. When my husband and I recently visited a large window and door company we came away with the impression that fiberglass was the better choice because a) the color wasn't just painted on as is the case with the vinyl (can scratch) and b) we could get black inside and out to blend with our 1978 contemporary home. This particular dealer was primarily selling Milgard which I understand to be local to our area. Where would I go to inquire about "high-end vinyl." Thank you for your time!
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The provia storms are very good. Price is fine, maybe a hair high if it does not include wrapping, but its a great price if it does. I agree overall with the advice provided so far on replacements vs storms, it really depends on the individual circumstances. It can be hard to justify spending that much without getting he other added benefits of replacements ( ease of cleaning, lower maintenance , potentially enhanced property value, better energy efficiency, etc), however if your existing windows can be reconditioned to the point of operating smoothly and looking good, adding the storm to that can definitely get you pretty close in those areas but with cost savings and maintaining the original integrity of the home. As wow alluded to, you could certainly take those dollars that you save and put them to air sealing , insulation , etc in other areas of he home and increase your energy savings exponentially.
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Not likely a wood chip. Possible that it picked up a pebble and flung it when they were grinding it up. That picture is terrible and if they are facing inside, it appears the damage was done from the interior to be honest. With regards to your other questions: Totally depends on the window in question. Usually glass is measured and prepared before coming to the jobsite to deglaze and repair. Find some of the operable units and look for warranty/serial number on the glass, in the head jamb, on the sashes, etc. If they have acknowledged that it was then that damaged the glass, they will probably bill you and do some sort of warranty holdback credit on the open bill for a modest amount. Without seeing the window, I couldn't even hazard a guess as to the repair/replacement cost so that holdback would be dependent on that.
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IGUs (Insulated glass units) are replaced as a unit and can't be field repaired on one side. Can the window sash be easily removed from the window? If so take it to a glass shop and get an estimate on the repair. If the frame comes off easily then one can take just the IGU to a shop and have it replaced, then reinstall in the frame. I can see three options: 1) have the tree guy coordinate the reapir with your tenant, 2) Call a local glass company, have them go to the property amd do the repair and deduct it from the tree guy's invoice. 3) Ask your tenant to handle the repair and compensate him/her accordingly. You don't say the size of the window and you're picture doesn't hint at the level of effort to remove and replace the IGU on this particular window, so it's difficult to guestimate the level of effort to fix it.
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Lynn Tyler
6 years ago
You would probably not find a vinyl window with black interior. You could get a dark oak wood grain interior though.
millworkman
6 years ago
"You would probably not find a vinyl window with black interior."

Why do you say that Lynn?
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
Are you looking to duplicate the look of the bronze aluminum in the vinyl replacement? That is a tough look to mimic in vinyl.

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