I’m looking at replacing windows for a client. Has any one used sash replacement kits? I’m only familiar with the vinyl replacement windows which come as one unit. My questions are: <!—-><!—-><!—->
1. What is your general opinion concerning these windows?<!—-> <!—->
2. Are they problematic? If so, explain?<!—-><!—->
3. How long does it take one man to demo and install one standard window using this product?<!—-><!—->
4. What would you charge for labor, per double-hung window, if the size was 32″x54″?<!—-><!—->
5. Do you recommend a particular brand?<!—-><!—->
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.<!—-> <!—->
Chief of all sinners.
Replies
I did a search on past threads which answered all my questions except for No. 4.
"What would you charge for labor, per double-hung window, if the size was 32"x54"?"
Thank you in advance for your responses!
I'm only an amateur but I'll share my thoughts. I recently purchased a house that need work on all its windows. I looked at the "replacement" windows and was tempted by the ease of installation. What I didn't like, and the reason I didn't go that route, was the greatly reduced glass area you'll end up with.
I said screw it just do it right. I yanked all the windows on the 2nd floor of the house and installed Andersen new construction units. This was a big job for the non-pro, combined with the fact that I have a tremendous fear of heights. I rented scaffolding which made all the difference. I got the time down to 2 hrs to have the old window out and the opening prep'd for the new window. It took me the rest of the day to get the window in and all of the exterior trim (there was a lot) rebuilt. I did the interior trim after all the windows were in.
Sorry to wander off into that story.
With replacement 'tilt packs' you do not sacrifice any window area, the new sashes fit within the existing jambs.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
I have used the Marvin tilt-pak repalcements.
The look great, cost is a little highter-- around 350/
Takes about an hour to install.
When finished they don't look likr replacements
I replaced about 15 cottage windows in my home with Pella replacements. Yes, the glass area is slightly reduced, but the cottage windows are so large (80 inches high by 42 wide) that the reduction was well worth the benefits, which, in addition to cosmetics and heating efficiency, are greatly reduced noise infiltration, and reduced dust infiltration from the dirt road 100 feet from the house. The units being replaced were single pane with no storms.
I won't say windows of these size are easy to install solo, but with a helper, just as advertised.
We went for the dual pane, simulated divided light with interior, exterior and intra glass mullions. The exterior is white clad aluminum, for low maintainance.
The glass is all one large piece per sash unit, so the replacement cost of a sash unit if the glass breaks is substantial. Each cottage unit replacement at the dimensions listed above was 990.00. The replacement of the lower sash unit, which is two thirds of the height of the unit, due to the cottage design, is almost 500.00. Something worth considering if you have a lot of athletic young ones.