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Please don’t send me to archives – been there and did not find enough info on this.
I have California ranch style that has wood slider windows. After pricing repair/repaint, thought I would put the $ toward replacement in double pane windows.
The two manufacturers I am considering are Window Master (window master II aluminum) or Milgard aluminum. My thought is to remove the existing window and frames and replace with aluminum nail in. Both companies have replacement windows but this would still require painting/maintenance of the wood frames.
Would appreciate any comments on the manufacture of the windows as well as the pros and cons of this type of replacement.
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Cc, see my current discussion http://webx.taunton.com/Web?50@@.eebbfea. I'm in the midst of the same tradeoffs for a mix of replacement and new windows for a major remodeling project in California. The fad here is Milgard vinyl (better homes) but I have serious concerns about vinyl for UV intense California. Milgard is a cut or more above the Window Master and they accommodate custom sizes without "nailing" you with a big premium. For your area Al is an OK (absence of salt air) and the cost is lower than the fibergalss which eventually is going to be material of choice... extremely low thermal coefficient of expansion, superior strength and paintable if you want to change colors.
*Whew, almost decided everyone was "windowed out". Thanks for the imput. Since you're in California, may check with Milgard - suppose to have some vinyl windows out in the desert area 6-7 years now.(At least that was info I was given by a window and door place in Ventura. Also, Milgard has that lifetime warranty(to original home owner).Feel ok about the aluminum as I have patio door (original when house built in 1959)and it looks in good shape. (bless the designer that thought 10 foot sliders were neat -- but thats a different problem.) Anyway, my main concern was pulling the original wood frames rather than retrofitting. After reading all the posts on flashing and water etc, now I'm wondering if this is asking for trouble. Windows would be professionally installed by Milgard dealer.
*Cc, you're right I did not focus on your question. I agree with your assessment of Al. Even though it's very damp here, I installed Al slider windows in place of wood double hung and 8 ft Al sliding door about 25 years ago. The windows were installed in the original rough as they were made-up to fit the rough. Nothing special done except generous use of caulk. No problems of leaks, etc. over the years. The anodize on the Al was quite good and there is very little pitting except on the couple on the west wall where the daily afternoon wind brings salt air from the Pacific. Give Erik Barrett of Milgard a "pulse". He's a pretty straight shooter and can be reached at [email protected].
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Please don't send me to archives - been there and did not find enough info on this.
I have California ranch style that has wood slider windows. After pricing repair/repaint, thought I would put the $ toward replacement in double pane windows.
The two manufacturers I am considering are Window Master (window master II aluminum) or Milgard aluminum. My thought is to remove the existing window and frames and replace with aluminum nail in. Both companies have replacement windows but this would still require painting/maintenance of the wood frames.
Would appreciate any comments on the manufacture of the windows as well as the pros and cons of this type of replacement.