What replacement windows will give me the most bang for my buck in Chicago. My current old windows are not keeping the warm in and the cold out.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
These defensive details give homes a better chances of surviving wildfires.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Greetings Jeff, Welcome to Breaktime.
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
when in doubt add garlic
Do you want to replace the whole window, sashes and frame, and retrim the window?
or just the sashes, leaving the existing frame and trim in place?
Jeff, we are working professionals here...
we do not have time to wade thru the pages of excess info you have provided...
you need to simplify your question to something like:
Me need windows ugg...
which ones good? grunt...
if there is a way to provide less info please try...
Sarcasm alert!!!
sorry if you can't handle it!!!
(not really)
#$&%(*$#
Please excuse our mess....
Tagline under reconstruction...
Life is too short. The universe is too big. Be kind to someone. In the end, love is all that matters.
-Luka
With old windows, I would always look first at weatherstripping, and if you really want to go all out, exterior storm windows. I would almost always keep old windows versus buying new. As long as the sashes are still in good shape, the existing windows would likely outlast any replacement.
When you say old, are you referring to historic windows? My house (built in 1966) currently has single pane windows. The second floor has storm windows but not the first floor.
I'm not sure that these windows are really worth saving. If it was between these windows and vinyl windows, then yes, I would consider saving them. But I'm seriously considering replacing them with Andersen 400 series woodwright windows. Mainly because they have better weatherstripping and insulation properties. Plus, they're easy to clean.
Cleaning old windows that don't tilt-in are a serious pain. Then on top of that, you have to clean the storm windows. I suppose that if you have storm windows, then it's unlikely that you'll have to clean the inside windows as much.
My local lumberyard (Concord Lumber) does not carry storm windows anymore. It seems that I have to buy them from a supplier such as Guaranteed Aluminum in Lowell, MA.
Has there been any studies done comparing the benefits of a new double-paned window with a single pane & storm combo?
When I think of "old" windows, in my mind I am thinking wood windows with sash weights. In the houses I have worked on (pre 1930s), a lot of the windows are true divided lites and would have been expensive to replace, plus the fact that I personally don't believe new wood windows will last as long as an original window.
1966? I don't know. Maybe those windows aren't really worth the effort, and I definitely understand the ease of cleaning new tilt-in windows. But overall, I would be suprised if there is much difference in the thermal performance of a new double pane window versus a properly weatherstripped single pane window with a good storm window.
Do you have any recommendations on finding good weatherstripping for windows? I noticed these windows that I have a thin groove at the top/bottom of the sashes and where they meet. It seems that it's for some sort of brush weatherstripping that was never installed.
I went to the lumber yard to look at the Andersen 400 series windows. For the woodwright series with the true divided window look, they are going to run me about $700+ per window. Wow. If I replace all of the windows in my house, I'm looking at close to $20K, not counting labor.
I'm going to take another look at storm windows again. The other lumber yard can get storm windows for me around $100.
Dino has a great article in this month's FH about building wooden storm windows.
I get my vinyl replacement windows from Remodelers Supply on Pulaski by Fullerton. They make them in their own, local factory a block to the north. I have found them to be very well made and priced. Usual deliver time is 7 - 10 days. They also offer other brands of windows if you want wood cladding, as well as doors, awings and similar stuff.
Go get some business cards made up that say you do remodeling. Present one to qualify for the contractors discount, which is sizeable. Even better is if you speak Polish like most of the help. Realize that you are now obligated to behave like a contractor, i.e. order multiple windows at a crack, have accurate measurements and avoid asking noobish diy type questions.
An added benefit, most of the ladies who will take your order are real lookers. I think they planned it that way.
Haa haaa...
I just stumbled across your post while searching for window brands. I use Remodelors Supply a lot and you really got it right about the girls in the front office. I never thought they planned it that way, though. I just always thought Polish women are some real lookers!
Most of the times I go there they assume I speak polish. I guess I look similar in ways. It's always good for a laugh and to lighten the mood. Their products, service, prices can't be beat, though I can only speak for their vinyl and glass block.
Definately bring a business card (and act professional). I think it's like 20%, which is pretty substantial.
--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
Edited 5/25/2008 4:26 pm by Ted W.
Alside manufactures and sells (to contractors only) a very, very good vinyl replacement window. If you go to my website link below and then to the Promotions page, there is a link there to Alside and the windows they produce.
Their windows also have a lot of great options too.
I have put them in my own homes too.
If you need more help or advice, contact me directly (my contact info is on my website as well)
http://www.petedraganic.com/
None. The payback is longer than the life of the window.
http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief03.htm
http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief03.htm
That's an interesting article.
I find it interesting that they suggest to not bother insulating walls.
But, they advocate insulating the floor between a heated basement and space above, as well as insulating the floor of a heated attic.
I understand that they are being very "pure" in restoring & preserving the basic "fabric" of historical buildings--that's obvious. It's equally obvious they've never tried to get an AHJ to see it that way, too.
Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Jeff,
A timely post on your part. We just replaced my MIL first floor single pane w/ storm windows 2 weeks ago. We used a local company named Feldco 708-437-4033. The company manufactured and installed; 1 large bay, 6 double hung and 1 awning window for $7400.00. The windows were white, double pane in the vinyl Sophia series. The Polish installers were excellent. The old beatup and some times rotted sashes were completely covered in color matched alumnium siding that was measured, fabricated and installed on site. Every joint and seam was chaulked and smoothed. The guys cleaned up every scrap of waste and vacumed the house interior.
Can you tell I was VERY impressed with these guys. I've done remodels for years and I could not compete with these guys for quality and price. I wish I had enough work to keep those Poles busy!