Replacement windows=money$$$$$$$

[Doc_Bob]

My wife would like the windows in my 35 yr old ranch replaced. Yes, they are old, but are still in a very good shape. No rotten frames, single pane with outer storms with good glass and screens.

I have started to look at Pella (can you say money?) and next week the Andersen guy come by to give an estimate.

My question is what have you all discovered? Any suggestions? Total tear out and replace or "precision fit" (just removed window, leave frame and woodwork intact).
Bob

 

[wolfe1]

Had Semco Windows in the old house- not real impressed- replaced with Marvin - hands down the best windows on the market - big bucks but worth every penny if you plan on staying in the house- I moved 2 years later- back to Semco but this house has almost 60 casements- short of me winning the lottery I will be stuck with these for a long time. If I ever do replace it will be Marvin.

 

[kmdigital]

You will NEVER save enough money on energy to pay for new windows, so don't let that be a deciding factor! I say this because window replacement is one of the most common homeowner scams, and the salesman will tell you almost anything to get you to sign a contract so he gets a fat commission.

Anyway, how you do it depends a great deal on how much money you want to spend. The best way is to replace the entire window, frame and all, but it is by far the most expensive. If the existing windows are large enough, the cheapest way is to replace the windows with vinyl pocket windows, but the glass area will become about 6" smaller in all directions (2-1/ to 3" on each side) so keep that in mind.

Pocket windows are installed by just removing the existing sashes and fitting complete new windows into the existing frames where the old sashes used to fit. New windows can be installed in about 1 hour per window, including bending new trim if they have a break on site. When finished they work and look great, but if the glass area wasn't overly large to begin with, the new windows can end up looking rather narrow.

Pocket windows are usually the best way in really old houses with large windows due to the cost factors, especially with large windows as larger windows get to be quite expensive. Using this method, you can usually get new windows for about $200 - $300 per window, installed if you use vinyl replacement windows.

Seriously, why does she want new windows? Ease of cleaning, like tilt-in? So you don't need to change storms/screens twice a year? If you answer that question, it will help you to know what you are looking for.

If the existing ones are ok, and you just don't like changing storms/screens then you might consider installing high end self-storing storm windows with screens. Something like Humphrey's are very good. It would be a great deal cheaper then new windows, and you don't need to change the storms/screens twice a year.

 

[Doc_Bob]

You will NEVER save enough money on energy to pay for new windows, so don't let that be a deciding factor!

Seriously, why does she want new windows?

I hear that new windows will not make much difference in energy costs. Now, why does she want new windows? Hmmm, because there was some moisture on the storm windows with the onset of cold weather. As the weather gets drier, my hope is she will have less interest in new windows as the moisture gets less?? So, we will get many bids, talk and see if she still wants new windows.
Bob

 

[johnk]

Upgrade the heating system with a High Efficency furnace and you're still thousands ahead...

 

[ovrszd]

We installed new windows in our 27 year old house. They were double paned with storms, wood framed. The frames were beginning to deteriorate and we were installing vinyl siding so wanted to do the windows at the same time.

I use vinyl framed pocket windows that are double paned with no storm. I have no idea if they save me any heating cost because other things were done to the house that summer. But I know one thing for sure. They are a lot quieter than my old windows. I mean a lot quieter. Maybe that means nothing. But I really like my new windows and don't figure to install windows again in my lifetime.

Total house cost of $2400. I did the work myself. Never touched any interior trim. Removed the outside trim and pulled the windows out. Slid the new pocket windows in against the interior trim. Then finished the outside when we added siding. Working by myself, it took me about two hours per window 'cause I'm slow.

 

[PineRidge]

I hear that new windows will not make much difference in energy costs. Now, why does she want new windows? Hmmm, because there was some moisture on the storm windows with the onset of cold weather. As the weather gets drier, my hope is she will have less interest in new windows as the moisture gets less?? So, we will get many bids, talk and see if she still wants new windows.
Bob

Bob if you have a humidifier on your furnace, turn the humidistat down. Excess moisture within the home condenses on cooler surfaces like your windows. Even cooking adds un-needed moisture.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I used to work at a place that sold vinyl siding and replacement windows to contractors (we didn't install). I couldn't believe the markup on the windows the contractors would charge to install. A lot of the contractors would do pathetic work installing the windows (skimping on caulking, not measuring for a good fit to make it easier to install the window, etc.). If the windows aren't installed correctly, you aren't saving any money.
Simonton windows are pretty nice too (they cost have of what Andersons do and they are comparable in stats to Andersons). They are an all vinyl window as opposed to vinyl clad. Add low E and argon and you got yourself a nice setup. Definitely talk to friends and look over the contractor's prior work for issues. Depending on window company windows that are over 101 united inches (width + length) more.
Whether you earn the cost of the windows back or not, you will definitely be able to tell the difference.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Bob,

As mentioned if the wife wants to do it to save money, you won't save enough to justify the cost.

If she wants to update the house, you are out of luck.

steve

 

[AL_Josh]

I just replaced one last weekend. Total cost $150.00. I bought the window for 102.00 and then bought greatstuff foam and wood to frame up and trim out the window.

The window was 32"x60" or a 2/8x5/0. Our house had the old wood frame with the weights in the wall. The window was old and rotten. Our house is arround 50 years old. I had been trying to restore the windows but like I said it was too far gone.

I first removed the trim from inside to get a measurement of the opening. I ended up having to build a frame for the window. I called and Lowes had that size in stock. Alll total took about 3 hours to tear out and install with finish trim inside and out. I still have to paint.

I am now going to replace the others when I can afford them maybe one a month.

I will post some pics when I get home from work.

Good Luck