The house we bought a few years ago meets our needs, but there’s one thing that really bugs me about it – the doors and windows. The frames around both the windows and frames are metal – something you might find in a commercial application, not in a 50’s brick ranch home. I’ve started replacing the doors, not a huge issue. However I’m kinda stuck on what to do with the windows. Here’s a picture of an existing window/frame:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c62/bclasen/Misc/window_01.jpg
The metal frames are not plumb, level and have may layers of paint on them, I want them out! Actually removing the frames should be a problem (sawzall), but I’m wonder about what I’ll find & need to replace. As I mentioned, this is a brick house, I don’t know if there are wood sills & headers or how or what the things are attached to. So I’m thinking I’ll have to put in 1″ headers & sills (I’ll could plane down a 2×6), but any suggestions would be appreciated. Once the things are out I want to put in a craftsman finish to the interior.
Another question deals with the existing windows which are vinyl. The previous owner put these in, for the life of me I don’t know why he didn’t put in a new frame at the same time. I’d guess the windows are around 10 years old, I’m pretty sure they are not of good quality (he was cheap), but they are functional. So my window questions are:
- Would you use the existing windows are replace them? If I redo the frame and cheap vinyls don’t last more than 10-15 years, it would be the time to replace.
- Will the windows be easy to take out of the metal frame? The caulk is old & yellowed, I imagine the windows have screws going into the frame.
- If the vinyl windows are salvageable, would an oak craftsman interior look OK with vinyl?
- If I replace the windows, knowing I’d prefer a oak craftsman look, are wood windows a good way to go? I imagine they are more expensive than vinyl or fiberglass.
Thanks for any input!
Bob
[EDIT] – I just popped some covers off the interior of one of the windows covering screw holes – at least on this window, it is not be held into the frame on the sides with screws (2 on each side). I guess they are being held in by caulk or a glue. I imagine the installers didn’t want to take the time to screw the windows into the metal frame.
Edited 9/23/2006 10:19 am ET by bclasen
Replies
Greetings b,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
Andrew Clifford of Clifford Renovations, who serves as a steward of our history for future generations
We can imagine something that only exists in our heads, in a form that has no measureable, tangible reality, and make it actually occur in the real world. Where there was nothing, now there is something.
Forrest - makin' magic every day
Would you use the existing windows are replace them? >> keep them if they are functional and you are happy with them (which it didn't sound like)
If I redo the frame and cheap vinyls don't last more than 10-15 years, it would be the time to replace. >> another good reason to replace the frame and windows
Will the windows be easy to take out of the metal frame? >> sounds like you already answered that q., a few screws and some caulk is what holds them in now according the info you added...
If the vinyl windows are salvageable, would an oak craftsman interior look OK with vinyl? >> a matter of taste but I imagine 90% of peopled would say no (incl. myself)
If I replace the windows, knowing I'd prefer a oak craftsman look, are wood windows a good way to go? >> different people have different opinions and it depends on your climate. From my experience and opinion I'd certainly encourage at least clad if you go with wood, which I think is a nice combo.
I imagine they are more expensive than vinyl or fiberglass. >> depends, expensive vinyl can be as much or more than cheap wood, whereas good wood windows will almost always be more than most synthetics.
>> in summary given no other constraints I'd suggest pulling the metal frame (and windows) out, retrim as necessary, and install new wood/ clad windows.
my coppers worth
If it were my house, I'd replace the windows, but then it's not my house and I'm not paying the bill.
Plan on some custom work to fit replacements into the openings - old houses are never square, but it sounds like you've got a plan. Pull a window or two to get rough sizes then figure out what you really need to do based on what you find.
Thanks for all the input, it helps. Depending on weather, I may try to pull a window this weekend. Since there are no screws in the side, I guess it is held in by caulk, I'll see if I can use a softener to remove it.I'm sure things are no where near square, I imagine I'll have plenty of shimming, etc. to get new ones in. Because of cost, I'll probably go with vinyl, though I'd like to check into fiberglass as well. I'm pretty sure I won'd find a pre-hung vinyl that will be deep enough to come out to the wall. I'm pretty sure I'll be doing some jamb extensions.BTW, do big box stores have good vinyls? I know there are good & bad windows out there, seems like many of the good ones are sold only through dealers who what do install them as well for big bucks. If the big box stores don't have decent ones, any suggestions on where to find good windows? I haven't done any looking yet, any ideas would be appreciated.Thanks,
Bob
Around here HD sells Andersen, Lowes sells Pella. I have a slight preference for Andersen, but that is based on how they look, I know of others who prefer the Pella. Both are good windows, and there are others that are just as good.
Personally, I don't like the big box stores - ordering a size that isn't on the shelf can be a hassle, and delivery is usually based on what works for them, not you (I don't suggest you try to pick up/transport a house load of windows yourself). Dealer prices aren't usually very different than the big box price, and they are much more likely to be able to help you figure out what extras (like jamb and sill extensions) your going to need than the kid at HD. Call around - in the Boston area there are a bunch of window and door dealers that will sell to DIYers, especially if you've spent the time to figure out most of what you need first.