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I’ve been asked to replace double-hung windows in a 100-yr. old farmhouse. My window replacement jobs usually involve total removal of old unit, frame and all, followed by installation of a new complete unit (usually Andersen). Exterior siding considerations and interior trim details suggest that this time I should leave the old window frame, detailed interior casings, and exterior siding and trim alone. Just gut the sashes, stops, and operation hardware, then install a replacement unit which fits within the frame of the old window with minimal exterior and interior trim-out required. For aesthetic and performance reasons, we don’t want to use vinyl replacement windows.
Finally, the question:
Is there a reasonable cost, readily available custom replacement unit with vinyl- or aluminum-clad exterior, natural wood interior with performance approaching a complete double-hung unit from a major manufacturer?
Replies
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I have used Marvin Tilt Pac units on several occasions with good results.
http://www.marvin.com/showroom/tiltpac.html
Taking careful measurements before ordering the units is essential for a smooth installation. Remember to also check for square, and check the sill angle!
Gregg
*Pella makes a nice, easily installed unit. As to cost, not cheap. Several fibreglass and vinyl replacement units have a "shrink-wrapped" wood veneer on the interior.
*If you are not replacing the frame also why do the windows at all. Most of the thermo leak is around the frames and the rough opening. any around the sliding units them selves can be taken care of with new weather striping. You can also remove the old sashes router out a deeper channel and put in a thermo unit.I did this at my house kept the look did away with the condinsation and was cheaper than replacing. I was quite amased at the workmanship of the old sases you won't get that good now. the only other thing that i did was to remove the case and foam around the rough opering.
*Thanks to GKD, Calvin, and Stubby. You guys pointed me in the right direction. I'm checking out replacement packages from Marvin, Pella, and Loewen. I don't know Loewen... so any feedback would be appreciated. To your ideas Stubby:I'd love to open everything up and do the total job, however... Replacement is indicated because the old sashes are shot and the home owner is not up for a time-consuming and expensive restoration. With regard to opening up the casing, the casings are on plaster walls and are themselves very ornate and already nicely stripped and restored. I think I'd be opening up a can o' worms to try to remove and re-install these casings with no harm done.
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I've been asked to replace double-hung windows in a 100-yr. old farmhouse. My window replacement jobs usually involve total removal of old unit, frame and all, followed by installation of a new complete unit (usually Andersen). Exterior siding considerations and interior trim details suggest that this time I should leave the old window frame, detailed interior casings, and exterior siding and trim alone. Just gut the sashes, stops, and operation hardware, then install a replacement unit which fits within the frame of the old window with minimal exterior and interior trim-out required. For aesthetic and performance reasons, we don't want to use vinyl replacement windows.
Finally, the question:
Is there a reasonable cost, readily available custom replacement unit with vinyl- or aluminum-clad exterior, natural wood interior with performance approaching a complete double-hung unit from a major manufacturer?