I’m about to embark on some remodeling of a duplex. There are about 25 windows of various ages (from 10-year-old aluminium double pane to 80-year-old double hung) and I’m planning on replacing them all. I don’t know enough about window replacement to decide if I should use slide-in vinyl replacement windows, or if I should use real new windows (probably vinyl or vinyl/wood). I plan on replacing the exterior siding of the house, so cutting openings for new windows will not be a problem. What are the pros/cons of new vs. replacement windows? Can anyone point me to any web pages that have a good explanation of the costs and issues? Thanks!
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The replacement windows are kinda mickey mouse. They treat the existing jamb as if it were a rough opening, and put a whole new window inside it. If you are confident that the existing jamb and rough framing around it are solid, no termites or rot, you might go that way. But since you're stripping the exterior, you'll have access to the rough framing, and you'll be able to do a good job on repairing it. If you're going that far, it makes sense to go first class and use new windows.
-- J.S.
go first class and you won't regret it -- you can get Andersens for about 275 a window -- they will sell the place keep it quite, cool and warm at the right times
I agree totally w/John Sprung. If it's a rental and/or you're on a moderately slim budget, you'll probably want to go with the vinyl. They can be trimmed out to look nice and sizing is pretty much unlimited.
If this is a nice building for yourself, or for resale, you can look at the Pella, Anderson, Marvin types but you'll spend considerable more and size selection is more limited. Either way, make your decision before you start making holes, because the rough opening dimensions for the higher end windows will be different than for the vinyl and your trim options may be different.
I just finished putting 12 new windows in an old house, replacing the old single pane double hungs ( still had the weights rattling around in the wall) Like you, I'm going to re-side but the bigger issue was finishing inside. Taking out all the old window and boxing where the weights went up and down left quite a hole. Most of the plaster around the window had gotten some moisture somewhere along the line and came loose with the trim. I found some stock windows that fit the hole within 2 inches either way, and patching with 3/8 rock is fairly easy. I will have to make new sills and trim the other moldings to go back to original. But seeing all that empty space around the old windows all filled with foam and insulation, and being able to open and close the new window with my pinkie has made it all worth it. I will side with Hardie plank, and the new windows have an integral nailing flange and j channel.