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Discussion Forum

Sash replacements

Ullam | Posted in General Discussion on January 3, 2007 10:47am

Folks, I am interested in your suggestions regarding sash replacement kits a la marvin tilt pack or jeld wen zap packs. The price difference is large. Is the quality difference as large?

M.M.

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  1. Lansdown | Jan 04, 2007 12:19am | #1

    Yes.
    JeldWen are far inferior IMO to Marvin.

    1. FastEddie | Jan 04, 2007 12:20am | #2

      Jeld Wen is "builder standard". 

      "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

      1. rasher | Jan 04, 2007 03:32am | #3

        All are not as good, in my opinion, as having reproduction historic primary sashes and wood storm windows made to order in a good shop. Clean the pulleys, replace the ropes with chain, caulk everything, install good spring bronze weatherstrip, and restored old hardware or good new hardware, and you'll have something that you can really be proud of. Should last a lot longer, as well.
        I looked at Marvin sash-packs for my house, but they averaged over $850 a window. Doing it the way I mentioned above cost about half that.

        1. DougU | Jan 04, 2007 04:44am | #4

          All are not as good, in my opinion, as having reproduction historic primary sashes and wood storm windows made to order in a good shop

          I agree! But some windows are much older then the sash rope/weight system.

          I'm reproducing a whole house full of window sashes this winter for a guy and he's looking for a system to hold the windows open. These windows are in a building that was constructed around 1860 and there isnt any sash cord, they used little wedges to hold the windows open.

          Doug

          1. rasher | Jan 04, 2007 04:56am | #5

            Even cooler! Check around online like at Killian Hardware and the like and you should find something called "spring bolts". These might work for you.

          2. DougU | Jan 04, 2007 05:03am | #6

            rasher

            I'm just supplying the sashes but I'll pass that along.

            These widows are in an old brick historic place that has solid wood(of course, what else would they be made from!) frames with the brick set right up to the frame. Not having looked at the product that you mention would it be possible to use these in a situation like this.

            I've built new sashes for my own place with the same scenario and I just use the old wedge method that they use around here for the last 150 years! I'd switch to something better if I could find it. I'll have to take a look at the Killian Hardware.

            Thanks

            Doug

          3. calvin | Jan 04, 2007 05:22am | #7

            http://houseofantiquehardware.com/s.nl/it.A/id.3599/.f

            View Image

            http://www.kilianhardware.com/phelwswinspr.html

            A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

            Edited 1/3/2007 9:24 pm ET by calvin

          4. DougU | Jan 04, 2007 05:40am | #9

            Calvin

            Hey now those things look like they would do the trick!

            I've seen them in older houses but forgot all about them.

            These are old German houses from the mid 1800's  and they built all their windows here, They have about three standard sizes, depending on the size of the building,  what they used on one house can be taken over to the next village and used there.

            The only thing that I have ever seen to hold the windows open is a little teardrop shaped piece screwed to the window sash with notches on the parting stop where they could set the height of the window to predetermened settings.

            I will pass this info along to the guy I'm making the sashes for and I think I may just have to get some for myself.

            Thanks

            Doug

             

             

          5. calvin | Jan 04, 2007 05:58am | #10

            They've been used on occasion here in NW Oh. Sometimes coupled with the rope and pullies.  Most got painted so many times the springs and bolts ceased to move.  These are some nice looking bolts from Kilians.  Glad we were tipped to them.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

  2. woodroe | Jan 04, 2007 05:29am | #8

    You can't do better for quality than Marvin for replacement sashes. It depends on what you are looking for. If you are installing them in a historically significant building, they might not be the best as rasher suggests. If they are going into an early 1900's house they are probably quite appropriate.

    Look at the details when you compare. If you are using aluminum clad sashes, Marvin's use extruded aluminum. Most if not all their competitors use roll formed aluminum. Quality is consistent from the first to the last window.

  3. WINSTALL | Jan 04, 2007 04:46pm | #11

    I have sold/installed over 5000 units in the last 15 years. I think it is a great procuct. (Marvin). Have also used Norco/ Caradco/ M&W/ Andersen/ Semco. None of them can hold a candle to Marvin. The hardware and balance system are the best. Great warranty and delivery service and options are too many to list. If you have any questions I will be glad to anser them.

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