I still working on a 50+ old house and now I’m to the windows. The original windows are double hung with weights & cords. The frames, glass & sash are all in excellent condition. The problem is, in Alaska, is it gets cold somtimes. I quoted the owners a price to replace 6 windows ranging from a 2×3 picture to a 11×6, 4 unit doble hung in Anderson wood with exterior vinyl. Also included is removing interior wall covering and installing insulation, to replace the sawdust. I noticed in my most recent issue of FHB an artical on rebuilding the sash. I have been concidering replacing the sash with an energy efficant unit. Can anybody direct me to a manufacturer?
Thanks, John
Replies
Are storm windows an option? Window design has advanced quite a bit in the 50 years since your windows were new. Frames for double hungs now have vinyl jamb liners that mat up tightly to the sash, and weatherstripping and corner seals are used in most of the right places, meeting rails included, to lower air infiltration. Double-pane insulated glass is used in sash glazing.
By the time you put all the labor and materials into these old windows, to bring them up to current performance standards, you might have spent more money than is required to just buy new replacements.
If those old windows are really in great shape, they might look OK with the right kind of storms on the outside.
On the other hand, they might be of a make whereby the original manufacturer is still in business, and might offer new-design replacement sashes, plus retrofit kits for doing weatherstripping. I know Andersen sells replacement parts for most any window they ever made, and they have been making windows for over 50 years.
Andersen will do it and the wood still looks the same and it fits the old frame with no custom financing
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