Talk to me about replacing windows...

[husky429]

I need to replace a bunch of windows in the house I'm renovating with inserts. I'll do the installation myself and probably put in new trim inside and out while I'm at it. Energy-efficiency is a must even if it means more $. Not afraid to spend some money since we'll be living here for 30 years or more.

Window guys are like used car salesman, so I'm coming to the yard.

Any advice? Brands? Wood vs Aluminum clad vs vinyl clad?

 

[NJHusky]

They're great but I shudder to think what it would cost today.

Or should that say shutter?

 

[husky429]

Less-than-exciting update, but what the heck.

Uncle (the contractor) came over yesterday and took a look. We're going new construction as expected. He said only idiots put in replacement windows, lol. But he's also done this for 40 years and is a little grumpy at this point. New construction and going with a clad window. Ordering a bunch at once and keeping the overflow in my parents basement. He offered to do the order and negotiate price and such for me so that takes a lot of the stress out of it for me (thanks Uncle J).

The first couple of windows will probably take me all day to get the hang of and the others I should be able to get down to a few hours (apparently... I have my doubts). So I'm expecting most of my July will be dedicated to windows and doors.

Thanks for the advice folks! I'll probably be back in a month questions about flooring and drywalling since those are going to be my other two big projects left.

 

[crazyqx83]

I need to replace a bunch of windows in the house I'm renovating with inserts. I'll do the installation myself and probably put in new trim inside and out while I'm at it. Energy-efficiency is a must even if it means more $. Not afraid to spend some money since we'll be living here for 30 years or more.

Window guys are like used car salesman, so I'm coming to the yard.

Any advice? Brands? Wood vs Aluminum clad vs vinyl clad?

If it's a home built before 1968 with original wood windows, just don't...

 

[crazyqx83]

The goal isn't simply to reduce energy bills. That's just my focus while my wife is concerned with updating the aesthetics.

Tell your wife to stop watching HGTV and veto her...

 

[husky429]

If it's a home built before 1968 with original wood windows, just don't...

It's early 90s vinyl.

 

[husky429]

Tell your wife to stop watching HGTV and veto her...

Not quite how this works.

 

[crazyqx83]

It's early 90s vinyl.

Then yea, they're probably trash. Replace away.

Not quite how this works.

I know. I'm divorced.

 

[SallyH]

Or should that say shutter?

Groan..........

 

[uconnfan68]

Less-than-exciting update, but what the heck.

Uncle (the contractor) came over yesterday and took a look. We're going new construction as expected. He said only idiots put in replacement windows, lol. But he's also done this for 40 years and is a little grumpy at this point. New construction and going with a clad window. Ordering a bunch at once and keeping the overflow in my parents basement. He offered to do the order and negotiate price and such for me so that takes a lot of the stress out of it for me (thanks Uncle J).

The first couple of windows will probably take me all day to get the hang of and the others I should be able to get down to a few hours (apparently... I have my doubts). So I'm expecting most of my July will be dedicated to windows and doors.

Thanks for the advice folks! I'll probably be back in a month questions about flooring and drywalling since those are going to be my other two big projects left.

Good luck! Hope it’s a piece of cake for you.

 

[tdrink]

It's early 90s vinyl.

Replacement inserts are typically for historic homes so the windows can be replaced without removing the historic trim details. You were talking about windows without a nail flange.

 

[tdrink]

If it's a home built before 1968 with original wood windows, just don't...

Back in the day I pressed clients to restore windows. I added weather stripping details , custom removable storm windows, sash locks, etc.

Those details cost more than Marvin inserts in the long run and left my clients with lots more maintenance, twice yearly chore of dealing with and storing the storm windows, and no bug screens so they could keep their wavy bullet glass.

After I changed the windows in a house built in 1840 (antique double hungs with triple track aluminum storm windows) at the clients insistence, they told me their oil usage was instantly cut by 33% . The mustiness in the house cleared very quickly as well since no windows had been opened in the house for decades.

As a restoration contractor people ask if feel like I’m violating history. Honestly, IDC. IMO, homes are restored by creating happy homeowners.

 

[NJHusky]

Less-than-exciting update, but what the heck.

Uncle (the contractor) came over yesterday and took a look. We're going new construction as expected. He said only idiots put in replacement windows, lol. But he's also done this for 40 years and is a little grumpy at this point. New construction and going with a clad window. Ordering a bunch at once and keeping the overflow in my parents basement. He offered to do the order and negotiate price and such for me so that takes a lot of the stress out of it for me (thanks Uncle J).

The first couple of windows will probably take me all day to get the hang of and the others I should be able to get down to a few hours (apparently... I have my doubts). So I'm expecting most of my July will be dedicated to windows and doors.

Thanks for the advice folks! I'll probably be back in a month questions about flooring and drywalling since those are going to be my other two big projects left.

Curious…which brand of windows did u pick?

looks like this thread might get me doing windows too…lol. My wife asked ‘what. Are the UConn guys talking about? I foolishly mentioned this thread…her next comment, we could use new windows too.

 

[husky429]

Curious…which brand of windows did u pick? looks like this thread might get me doing windows too…lol. My wife asked ‘what. Are the UConn guys talking about? I foolishly mentioned this thread…her next comment, we could use new windows too.

View attachment 100568

My uncle ordered Harvey's of some kind. It seems to be what all the contractors get. Wood interior, vinyl or aluminum clad exterior. I'm forgetting. Even measured them for me while I was at work and offered to let me keep the excess in his basement until I need them because he's awesome and I have no room.

I just redid all the stair tread and railing and my wife has decided she wants a floating mantle, so those are my current projects. Yay. Lol.

 

[NJHusky]

My uncle ordered Harvey's of some kind. It seems to be what all the contractors get. Wood interior, vinyl or aluminum clad exterior. I'm forgetting. Even measured them for me while I was at work and offered to let me keep the excess in his basement until I need them because he's awesome and I have no room.

I just redid all the stair tread and railing and my wife has decided she wants a floating mantle, so those are my current projects. Yay. Lol.

Thx. Good luck. When we bought our first house together years ago I told my wife to stop watching Hgtv. Told her it takes more than an hour to do renovations…unlike on tv.