Doors and Windows - replacement vs new construction choice
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12-11-01, 07:15 AM
I am having the siding on my house replaced due to hail damage, and since they'll be taking off the old siding it seems like a good time to replace my windows. My old windows are single pane, drafty, and don't open or shut well. I have been provided quotes from contractors for replacing the old windows either with vinyl new construction windows or replacement windows. The low price is for new construction windows; about $1,700 less for 17 windows. With the new construction windows, the old frames would be taken out, the new windows would be installed while the siding is off, and I would need to redo the interior trim around the windows. With the replacement windows, the old frames would be covered in aluminum and the new windows would be installed with no need for new interior trim. The old frames have some minor rot and we have had termite damage twice previously in the house. I am concerned that taking the replacement window approach will leave me with old wood frames that could rot further or be attacked by termites and I would have no way to know it until extensive damage was done due to the wrapping. Any advice?
resercon
12-11-01, 02:36 PM
If the new construction window are that price, I would go with them. I would do it just to get rid of the minor wood rot. Covering it up is not going to help.
If the contractor is going to provide new construction windows for you, you should ask for options. Look at the window he's quoting on and search the web for brand names like Pella, Marvin, Anderson, Peach Tree and more. If you decide that you want a better window than he's offering, it will probably cost you more than his quote. If you look at some of the features these other windows have, you might say it's worth it. Like Pella has the casement window with a miniblind inbetween the glasses. Great for bathrooms and kitchens, you never have to clean the blind. My wife loves it. Marvin makes the best french window. Usually when you open them there is a divider between the two windows, Marvin doesn't have one.
There are so many options out there with windows. This is probably the last time you'll ever going to buy windows, so take your time and do some window shopping, literally.
If the contractor is going to provide new construction windows for you, you should ask for options. Look at the window he's quoting on and search the web for brand names like Pella, Marvin, Anderson, Peach Tree and more. If you decide that you want a better window than he's offering, it will probably cost you more than his quote. If you look at some of the features these other windows have, you might say it's worth it. Like Pella has the casement window with a miniblind inbetween the glasses. Great for bathrooms and kitchens, you never have to clean the blind. My wife loves it. Marvin makes the best french window. Usually when you open them there is a divider between the two windows, Marvin doesn't have one.
There are so many options out there with windows. This is probably the last time you'll ever going to buy windows, so take your time and do some window shopping, literally.