Question:
Our windows are shot. The cheap Ryland Homes originals are decomposing before our eyes. We’ve been talking to various window companies about replacements. My wife and I ard having a small discussion about whether it is worth putting new (non-replacement style windows) in lieu of "replacement windows" (which fit inside the old frames). Any opinions?
Response:
Ron, Among other factors, is your siding in good shape? If so, it wont be once some contractor rips out the old window frames and installs new, unless he’s really careful and good at patching and matching colors. Pella makes good replacements that slide right into the existing frames without distrubing anything, but they are very expensive, and are aluminum clad outside, and attactive wood inside, unlike the full white vinyl ones. We opted for good storm windows instead and kept our 90 yr old, loose "wavy glass" originals. — I also hate to receive spam, so please discard the "go" to email me – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Our windows are shot. The cheap Ryland Homes originals are >decomposing before our eyes. We’ve been talking to various >window companies about replacements. My wife and I ard having >a small discussion about whether it is worth putting new >(non-replacement style windows) in lieu of "replacement >windows" (which fit inside the old frames). >Any opinions?
Response:
> Our windows are shot. The cheap Ryland Homes originals are > decomposing before our eyes. We’ve been talking to various > window companies about replacements. My wife and I ard having > a small discussion about whether it is worth putting new > (non-replacement style windows) in lieu of "replacement > windows" (which fit inside the old frames). > Any opinions?
Been there. Done that. What you call "replacement windows" typically have less glass area than "non-replacement" windows; you’ll notice the difference because sashes will be that much thicker and you’ll get less light out of each window. We just had several "contractor-grade" windows replaced with "non-replacement" windows, and the installers did not have to rip apart the exterior siding and left me with minimal wallboard repair. (If I had to) I’d do it this way again in a minute. Good luck! — Thought for today: Did you know that computers run on smoke? You can tell because if the smoke escapes the computer stops working…
Response:
> Been there. Done that. What you call "replacement windows" typically have > less glass area than "non-replacement" windows; you’ll notice the > difference because sashes will be that much thicker and you’ll get less > light out of each window. We just had several "contractor-grade" windows > replaced with "non-replacement" windows, and the installers did not have to > rip apart the exterior siding and left me with minimal wallboard repair. > (If I had to) I’d do it this way again in a minute. Good luck!
If I recall correctly, the "non-replacement" windows all have a flange that is attached to the outside wall. How did the contractors get around that without touching the siding? Did they remove the flange?
Response:
> > Been there. Done that. What you call "replacement windows" typically have > less glass area than "non-replacement" windows; you’ll notice the > difference because sashes will be that much thicker and you’ll get less > light out of each window. We just had several "contractor-grade" windows > replaced with "non-replacement" windows, and the installers did not have to > rip apart the exterior siding and left me with minimal wallboard repair. > (If I had to) I’d do it this way again in a minute. Good luck! > If I recall correctly, the "non-replacement" windows all have a flange that > is attached to the outside wall. How did the contractors get around > that without touching the siding? Did they remove the flange?
To be honest, I showed them in the house and left to do other things. Couldn’t tell ya. — Thought for today: Did you know that computers run on smoke? You can tell because if the smoke escapes the computer stops working…
Response:
> > If I recall correctly, the "non-replacement" windows all have a flange that > is attached to the outside wall. How did the contractors get around > that without touching the siding? Did they remove the flange?
I’ll take a shot at it, since replaced several windows. Brick Molding. We didn’t have to touch the siding at all. –Chris * WARNING: consumption of alcohol is the leading cause of inexplicable rug burns on the forehead.
Response:
> > Been there. Done that. What you call "replacement windows" typically have > less glass area than "non-replacement" windows; you’ll notice the > difference because sashes will be that much thicker and you’ll get less > light out of each window. We just had several "contractor-grade" windows > replaced with "non-replacement" windows, and the installers did not have to > rip apart the exterior siding and left me with minimal wallboard repair. > (If I had to) I’d do it this way again in a minute. Good luck! > If I recall correctly, the "non-replacement" windows all have a flange that > is attached to the outside wall. How did the contractors get around > that without touching the siding? Did they remove the flange?
Been there,too, and about to do it again: look for "box unit" or "box frame" windows. I have hunted for years before I finally found something worth spending the $$$ on. Look at Thermal Industries or Hurd. They both make a window w/o a nailing flange. You simply insert the window into the opening after removing the stops and parting beads. The TI window is vinyl with real wood inside for staining or painting, the Hurd is a real wood window with vinyl cladding on exterior. Expect to pay several hundred apiece for these (plus install costs) but IMHO they are both good windows. I hope this helps "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." Dolly Parton
Response:
> worth spending the $$$ on. Look at Thermal Industries or Hurd. They both > make a window w/o a nailing flange. You simply insert the window into > the opening after removing the stops and parting beads. The TI window is > vinyl with real wood inside for staining or painting, the Hurd is a real > wood window with vinyl cladding on exterior. Expect to pay several > hundred apiece for these (plus install costs)
I’ve been using Hurd and am quite happy. $300 for about a 35×60 double hung window, Low-E, wood w/ aluminum clad outside. –Chris
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