Community Chat

[FranandZoe]

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

Good to know!  Thank you for the answers.

If I had all the $$$ in the world I'd probably do things differently, but since I am fortunate enough to own a home and to be able to replace windows, I'll take my chances on these new vinly inserts.

We live on a quiet street but I think I will enjoy the soundproofing, and the reduced air leakage.  Wasting energy just seems foolish.

@Sooner , yes, these windows will probably have a slight tint, but that should help with heat gain in the summer.  It's harder to cool this house than it is to heat.  I had new patio doors installed a while back and I didn't find the low-e glass that much different to look through.

I'll rest a bit easier, too, knowing that I could get out in an emergency.  These old wood windows no longer operate properly.  I'm excited to get an awning window for the kitchen - hinged at the top, opening outwards, so you could even leave it vented in a light rain.

I hope the facade is not too changed.  I had to go with a creamy exterior, not screaming white; I am hoping it blends well enough with the old pale yellow siding.  Good grief, maintaining a home can be exhausting!

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:You are so right - it is ALWAYS something!

[Mom2Dogs]

@Sweetbay magnolia   If you find something that cleans the outside of the window vinyl frames, please post.  I have asked numerous contractors, sales people, etc. I have yet to find a proudct that clean the outside vinyl.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Hey, @Mom2Dogs .  I had the house power washed last year.  Heretofore we had not been able to get the gravel road dust out of the other vinyl surfaces (siding, soffit).  The operator did a super job, washing down and away.  Might consider hiring someone.  Things do get grody!

It was not cheap but I think there is an algaecide in the washing formula (we live in the woods) and things on the house remain pretty clean.  I think you just don't want to scratch these plastic surfaces or they forever hold soil.

[Mom2Dogs]

@Sweetbay magnolia  Algaicide cleaner - maybe that is the key.  I will look into something similar, thanks.  We have a local farm store, they might be able to help me as well.

[RedTop]

@Mom2Dogs 

The exterior vinyl on your windows should clean up nicely with regular window cleaner unless they are covered in mildew.  

Harsh chemicals used repeatedly will pit and damage the vinyl surface, thus shortening the lifespan of your window frame.  I just focus on cleaning the glass, and wipe the frame with the last cloth used on that window.  

[Mom2Dogs]

@RedTop   The windows are not problem, they tilt in for easy cleaning but the problem is the caulk or what ever it is.... and the outside frames, just icky looking.  Once the weather warms up, I will see what I can do with the frames.

[RedTop]

@Mom2Dogs 

None of my windows have visible caulk, so I cannot relate to that.  

[tototwo]

Shop around! We got all new windows 5 yrs ago and we love them. We interviewed several window contractors and went with a company that developed a product that's not exactly wood, but not vinyl either. Some composite that looks better than vinyl, but doesn't 'weather' like wood.

Anyway, talk to different companies. Check out what materials they use, their guarantees, their installers, etc.

Good luck.

[gardenman]

It could take a while to get new windows if your existing windows aren't stock sizes. The last I heard (and this was a few months ago so things could have improved) there was a six month or longer wait for custom windows. 

[Another new name Sue]

We are happy with our vinyl windows. They do keep your house quieter, which is good, but I miss hearing the rain unless it's pouring hard. I wanted to keep some of our old wood windows because it's a tribute to the way the house was built decades ago, but we ended up replacing them all. Less maintenance.

on installation, some of the interior paint was damaged, so I will have to have a painter come in. It's OK.