topic Re: Replacing Windows in Community Chat

Replacing Windows

Vamp — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:49:50 GMT

We are getting ready to replace the windows in our home. I have talked to a couple of neighbors about who they've used, what kind of windows they got, etc. and have heard conflicting information. Some say we must get wood frames; others say no to wood frames. What are the pros & cons? Does anyone have any advice or knowledge on the subject?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Replacing Windows

occasionalrain — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:57:46 GMT

I would choose wood because to me the others, like vinyl siding, look cheap.

Re: Replacing Windows

RedTop — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:15:42 GMT

We replaced our double pane wood windows for vinyl windows 10 years ago. Our wood framed windows worked great when they were first installed when the house was built, but over time, several of the inside seals failed, the windows began to have condensation on them and the moisture began to affect the oak finish on the wood trim. We dealt with Windows Direct, and had someone come to our house to show us their product. They brought a small window with them so you can see what you are buying, instead of choosing from a brochure. This company makes your windows to your measurements, and installation for all 14 of our windows took one day. They took the old windows away for us, and we found them to be very efficient. We have a lifetime guarantee on all the windows as long as we are the homeowners. When our house was burglarized and a window was broken for entry, we called Windows Direct, told them what window sash was broken, and they were here within 4 working days with a replacement sash. I would prefer to get my information directly from the company who makes and installs the windows, rather than from my neighbors. In the 32 years of living in this house, we have had both wood framed windows, as well as vinyl windows, and our choice hands down is vinyl. Best wishes to you with your decision.

Re: Replacing Windows

yellowrose — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:20:34 GMT

Good timing on this question vamp, we have a window guy coming over tomorrow to give us an estimate. Hubby just wants to buy the windows and put them in himself, but this company doesn't deal with just selling. We have a log house so I would want to keep wood frames, but have no idea what my choice of windows will be.

Re: Replacing Windows

Vamp — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:30:49 GMT

Thanks for your responses. I do plan on talking to a couple of different companies, but I also wanted to get a feel for what home owners say since obviously they are not trying to sell me anything.

Re: Replacing Windows

151949 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:42:08 GMT

We replaced our metal windows in our Pa home with vinyl and they looked so wonderful, and were so much more efficient at keeping the weather out. Now we are unhappy with the windows the builder installed in this Florida home and we are planning to replace next fall. One of the things I am looking for are windows that both top and bottom can be opened and ones where you can bring the outside inside to wash the window. Those were things I had in Pa home and truely loved.

Re: Replacing Windows

scotttie — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:42:30 GMT

WE went with vinyl and are very happy with it. They can make it that looks like wood but I don't know what your house looks like so I guess only you can say if it would look right.

Re: Replacing Windows

151949 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:52:16 GMT

As for the wood vs vinyl issue - it really depends on the home - why would someone expensive pella windows on a less expensive home or put less expensive vinyl on a mc mansion? You should put what is appropriate for the home they are going on.

Re: Replacing Windows

glb613 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:25:55 GMT

On 4/7/2014 happy housewife said: As for the wood vs vinyl issue - it really depends on the home - why would someone expensive pella windows on a less expensive home or put less expensive vinyl on a mc mansion? You should put what is appropriate for the home they are going on.

That's what I did. The windows I liked were $400-$500 a window plus installation. With 17 windows to replace, it was too much money.

Re: Replacing Windows

Vamp — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:37:01 GMT

We definitely don't live in a McMansion but not a cheap home either. I would call this an upper-middleclass neighborhood. Homes in our sub have both kinds of windows, and I honestly can't tell the difference at a glance. I only know that there are both kinds in the neighborhood from asking my neighbors what they put in. I'm sure there is a difference between Pella & Anderson and, say, Wallside Windows. I just wonder if spending $27,000 on Anderson windows (which my neighbor across the street did last summer) is worth it. That's an awful lot of $$.

Re: Replacing Windows

Chalcedony — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:50:24 GMT

Another thing to remember - if you live in under a HOA, make sure the windows you install are within their guidelines for your house or neighborhood. Besides that, I replaced all of my drafty, heat-transferring, poor quality wood frame windows with top of the line vinyl frame windows manufactured by Encore five years ago. It was the best decision I've ever made as a home owner.

Re: Replacing Windows

RainyDayGal — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:28:06 GMT

We just had an energy audit done and the guy didn't even recommend replacing the windows. Actually recommended against it. He said for the $20,000+ it would cost it wouldn't add up to the much savings on the energy bill to make it worth while. Fine by me, it's not like I have 20 grand laying around.

Re: Replacing Windows

scotttie — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 22:18:29 GMT

On 4/7/2014 Vamp said:
We definitely don't live in a McMansion but not a cheap home either. I would call this an upper-middleclass neighborhood. Homes in our sub have both kinds of windows, and I honestly can't tell the difference at a glance. I only know that there are both kinds in the neighborhood from asking my neighbors what they put in. I'm sure there is a difference between Pella & Anderson and, say, Wallside Windows. I just wonder if spending $27,000 on Anderson windows (which my neighbor across the street did last summer) is worth it. That's an awful lot of $$.

I would say it's not worth it unless you know you are going to be there another 20 - 30 years.

Re: Replacing Windows

JustJazzmom — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 22:39:44 GMT

Or do like we did, when we redid a room we did the windows at that time. The bite was not that deep to our budget. We have Andersen windows which are vinyl wrapped. There is some wood on them and we stained them with a wood stain so we wouldn't ever have to paint them through the years.

Re: Replacing Windows

151949 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 23:34:17 GMT

On 4/7/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:
We just had an energy audit done and the guy didn't even recommend replacing the windows. Actually recommended against it. He said for the $20,000+ it would cost it wouldn't add up to the much savings on the energy bill to make it worth while. Fine by me, it's not like I have 20 grand laying around.

how many windows do you have? We replaced 9 windows for well under $10,000. We just were at the home show and discussed vinyl windows and the salesman said for 6 windows would be no more than $2000.

Re: Replacing Windows

Vamp — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:21:00 GMT

We have 6 windows upstairs and 14 downstairs + two sliding glass doors. We definitely need ours replaced...I am embarrassed to tell you how bad they are!

Re: Replacing Windows

Mominohio — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 01:13:41 GMT

We spent several years replacing the windows and doors in our house. I would recommend getting several companies to come out and give you estimates. There are many levels of quality available, and the top of the line windows, whether wood or vinyl, aren't always the best choice based on the value of the house. The old adage about buying the best isn't always the best advice if the value of the home doesn't warrant it. That is where we were, no high dollar wood windows that were going to require maintenance and be of more value than the house was worth.

We got a very good quality vinyl with a local company that has great warranties. We got the kind that tilt in, and for the first time in 20 years I can wash my upstairs windows by myself, whenever I want (no more ladders).

If I had a historic old home, I would have invested in windows that suited the era of the home, but I did not. Our old windows were rotted beyond belief, and we had patched them together for as long as we could. It was a wonderful feeling to get this done, the house looks so much better, it is warmer inside, and I am one happy camper.

Good luck on your search and enjoy the updating.

Re: Replacing Windows

toodles11 — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 01:14:06 GMT

The seals have been failing on some of our windows and they are only 13 years old. They are wood on the inside and vinyl on the outside. Do the vinyl ones not have as much problem with seals failing?

This winter has been bad and the cold draft from the ones that failed has not helped our heating bill.

Re: Replacing Windows

Lakk — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 03:19:52 GMT

I have a brick house and I had 9 double pane Nu Sash vinyl windows, siding under the overhang, gutters and etc. put on in 2001 for $7,100.00. I had a problem with two small windows (bathroom and kitchen) they literally shattered, they replaced them. Later I called thinking another one was about to shatter and they said "will you be home tomorrow?" I said yes and they came out and replaced ALL 9 windows and put in TRIPLE pane windows, no charge. No problems since. That was about 8 years ago and I would do it again tomorrow. My 2 picture windows had been put in at an earlier time and I've had no problems with them.

The triple pane windows are fabulous, you don't hear anything from outside. I have neighbors that complain about 4 dogs that are next door to me, I hear nothing but thunder and the tornado alarm that's across the street at the school. I also like these vinyl windows because I can tilt them inside and clean them all from inside and I can wipe the window sills out and they are so clean and white all the time.

Good luck.

Re: Replacing Windows

Lila Belle — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 03:26:06 GMT

On 4/7/2014 beammeupscottie said:
On 4/7/2014 Vamp said:
We definitely don't live in a McMansion but not a cheap home either. I would call this an upper-middleclass neighborhood. Homes in our sub have both kinds of windows, and I honestly can't tell the difference at a glance. I only know that there are both kinds in the neighborhood from asking my neighbors what they put in. I'm sure there is a difference between Pella & Anderson and, say, Wallside Windows. I just wonder if spending $27,000 on Anderson windows (which my neighbor across the street did last summer) is worth it. That's an awful lot of $$.

I would say it's not worth it unless you know you are going to be there another 20 - 30 years.

It's worth it for resale no matter what the brand. We chose our home over another because it had energy efficient windows as well as the new HVAC. No one really wants single pane wooden windows anymore.