Any suggestions on having new windows installed? Thx, JL

It's time that I bite the bullett and get this done. I've been hesitant to do this job since I wanted to keep the character of the woodwork inside but high end wood windows are not in my budget (22 or so windows). I'm thinking Vinyl or possibly Anderson replacements. The original windows with the chains are there now. Thanks for any recommendations (especially if you replaced the original windows as I'll be doing).
JL

Don't have a specific brand to recommend but be sure to insulate those long tall hollow channels next to the windows where the weights and chains travel.

I have a long history of installing and using the Pella insert windows. Wood inside Vinyl coated outside. Small frame housing and styles to match your existing house. My Virginia Road house had about 20 windows and I did this over 3 years to match a cash budget. They provide a list of certified installers. I did it my self. The first 2 were a lot of work, but then I 'Got it' and learned to measure better, ordered better and had it down to a 1 hour per window install, calked and painted. Went on to become a Certified installer. Did Marvins and Andersons, but I liked the Pella approach better.

You can go to the Pella store on Morris Ave, between what was Scotties and the Big Kings in that Center section and look at them.

And yes, when I had to, for customers, I did install the all vinyl units. The differnce was like a cheap Honda to the top end Audi. The Pellas, Marvins and Andersons did not have that tinny feel, if you get what I mean.

Later, Da
The UPS Store
George (retired from that business)

We looked into replacing windows. Anderson woodwright seemed to be the best price line, about $800 per plus installation. Pella was over 1500 for the same windows. Marvin is also pricy.

PLEASE don't replace with vinyl, that would be a great disservice to the value of your house.

Agree, get nice replacements -you have no idea the impact it will make! Did andersons, we love them, house looks great. Yes, it was a lot of money, well spent.We invested $25k over 10 years ago, for 17 windows, most of them custom.

We also got Andersen woodwrights and LOVE them! Yes, about 800 per window, but really lovely. Tip - if you buy 4 or more at a clip, your contractor can put in a bid to lower the cost (works on over $2500 in purchases) at HD. They're not cheap, but I'm so happy with the few rooms we've completed thus far. Since the style is an exact match to our current colonial style windows, we can do small groups of windows over time and maintain a consistent look.

@wineguy87,

Assuming your existing windows are structuralling sound, another option would be wooden storm windows, which are a lot less expensive than high end replacement windows and allow you to keep your original windows. The storms will help air seal the window and prevent drafts. I am assuming this is why you want to replace your windows.

Next you can have you old double hungs stripped and returned to operation. Once they can fully close again you willl have a window assembly that performs quite close to a new double pane window and will last longer, cost less and retain the charm of your home.

Kurt

@khkiley,

Do you have a recommendation for where to get/who to install wooden storms?

@lukeysboat

I did a lot of research into storm windows and liked what these two providers had to offer:

http://www.woodenstormwindows.net/kd_sash.html
http://www.adamsarch.com/storm-screen-window

These are the traditional type that hang from hooks from the outside. The second provider has an option that allows you to change out the glass for screens in the spring time.

An option that would help the thermal performance would be to have low-e glass installed, as with this provider:

http://www.oldewindowrestorer.com/woodstorms.html

http://www2.buildinggreen.com/blogs/window-performance-magic-low-e-coatings

Low-e glass will reflect the radiant energy back into the house rather than let it pass out the window, this is how the newer windows gone there performance.

There was another provider that offered a traditional looking storm window that had triple tracks that allowed you to raise and lower the storm/screen. I cannot find that link.

The removable glass/screens can be changed from the inside on the from the third provider.

The first two providers have a "knock down sash" option, they will send you the rails and stiles, and you assemble the windows yourself. This will save on shipping and assembly cost. If you are handy around the house, and can assemble ikea furniture you probably could assemble, prime and paint these windows. You would also need to have them glazed, which may be a DIY for you as well if you are handy.

Most of these windows are made to order, you will need to provide the length and width of the cavity, check for square to make sure the window corner to corner dimensions are the same, provide the angle of the window sill, and measure the recess the window will sit in. The standard is 1.125 inches, if your window are deeper, or shallower you will need to let the manufacturer know.

This is a great site on old home restoration, and the person who runs the site is an expert on window restoration:

http://www.historichomeworks.com/hhw/index.htm

In the end I have decided to try building my storm windows from scratch, if it ends up being too much of a hassle then I will buy the knock down sashes from one of the providers listed.

I don't have a specific recommendation for a carpenter. I have had good luck with Peter Traub roofing who takes care of our slate roof, he also does carpentry. I will probably be contact him when the time comes and I need to hang the windows on the second floor the first time.

I have also heard Paul Lewis, on of the "two guys from newstead" on Valley and Parker restores windows, Durand Hedden had a recent article on this:

http://www.durandhedden.org/archives/articles/old_windows_preserving_and_restoring_the_soul_of_the_house

From the article:

For further information, lists of local contractors who work on refurbishing older windows, as well businesses providing age appropriate window tools, parts and hardware, and for answers to questions on window repair, contact Preservation Maplewood at info@preservationmaplewood.org or call 973-762-1443.

Hope this helps.

Kurt

khkiley said:

Hope this helps.

Kurt

Holy smokes, that's very helpful. Thanks for sharing all the info you gathered.

I love our Jeldwen windows. Google them - they're about $600 per window and are a grade below Marvins.

Acorn just did a very nice job for us. They put in vinyl replacement windows. About $550 installed per window.

They do wood as well but those exceeded our budget. If I recall they were about $900 per window.

This was the first thing we did when we bought the house back in 2002 and one of the smartest. We used Sears which was then using a window made by Alside. The windows are great but working with Sears was a disaster.

We got Anderson wood insert windows with prairie grills to go with the 1920's mission feel of our home.

Wow! Thanks for the info! That is very helpful Kurt

We are in the process of having some of our windows and doors replaced and certainly can recommend our contractor:
John Clayton Contracting
claytoncontracting@yahoo.com
Office#(908)751-5062 Cell#(973)856-2500

@xavier67 and @lukeysboat, you are both very welcome.


Kurt

Thanks everyone....I have a lot to read here and some bills to pay ;~}> All the best, JL

KHKILEY - The article on re storing is very interesting . My storms are in horrible shape. Maybe the windows can be re stored but most of the storms would need to be replaced. thanks again, JL

Hey JL, @wineguy87, hope everything goes well if you decide to go the restoration route. Very cool you have the original storms, wish our home still had them. They are a good place to start even if they are unusable.

Keep us updated if you restore.

Thanks,

Kurt

strongly recommend http://hgedwards.com/