Problem: Window Replacement/restoration In 1905 House.

hipgrrrrl

Problem: Window replacement/restoration in 1905 house.

The majority of the windows on the first floor (double paned) are original but have rotted so the panes of glass are dropping and have impressive gaps at the top. Four of the eight windows on the second floor are cheapo replacement windows that have failed and also have panes dropping. There are no storms installed, although based on outside hardware, they used to have old fashioned ones that hung off hooks at the top of the window.

SO, the dilemma is whether to restore the old windows and add old fashioned storms made new OR restore the old windows and add new storms OR just pull all the old windows out and put in new. Cost is certainly a consideration, but not the most important aspect of this project. Aesthetics are, however. Keeping the original look of the house is not the most important thing, but keeping it attractive and not lookin' like a misguided renovation is.

If the old windows were restored and new storms put on; what is the best brand to go with? If the windows are pulled out, custom windows would have to be purchased. Full vinyl is not an option but there are so many other choices out there that the process of choosing something (anything!) has totally stalled. Any recommendations?

Thanks for any and all thoughts.

wink

are you the homeowner?

go dart

most wood clad manufactures will closely replicate your windows and allow you to keep interior casings/stools intact. a couple of choices are MARVIN OR ANDERSENS INCERT units. check on line

bergenbldr

If the stool/frame are in good condition,new sashes w/glass could be made by a millwork company. Google m.l.condon. Btw honduras mahogany is typicaly speced for is similar decay resistance to the old growth softwoods that were originaly used.

Patrick

Take a look at some of the wood windows that Brosco offers I used them on a partial re-build to match the rest of an older home

Amber

I would suggest finding a company in your area that carries the Jeld-Wen custom collection (formally known as Pozzi) This window has the strongest warranty around. Have a representative come to your home and inspect the job before they submit a bid to you. Jeld-Wen is used often in re-vamping historical buildings. You have probably seen their product on the Mimi's Cafes.

Angkor

As it happens, I'm also about to replace windows in a 1905 carriage house -- in upstate NY. This is my own house. I've been doing a lot of research and talking around. In my case, I'm going to completely remove the old double-hungs, which offer as much protection as fish nets. But I want to preserve the home's character as well.

I've ruled out Pella -- (the class-action lawsuits scare me). Andersen also comes in for plenty of criticism these days. I'm inclined to go for Marvin. Their aluminum-clad frame is thicker than the competitors' and the paint holds up much better. But I also like their styles, which complement my old home.

But my chief concern is this: I had this 6,000 sq. ft., 2-story house thoroughly insulated a couple of years ago. It's now a very tight structure -- except for the leaky windows. I'm worried that new, tight windows will create a bubble effect wherein moisture and dead air will gather (we also have a big fireplace). We have radiant heat and almost nothing in the way of ventilating soffits. What concerns me is that new windows will gather ice and condensation which will lead to rot. I know I could spend a fortune installing ventilation features, but I'm not ready for that yet.

If anyone has any good thoughts or insights on this matter, I'd greatly appreciate them. Also, any views on Marvin's products.

ProWallGuy

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