Has anyone had theirs done recently???
What brand did you decide on??
Our house is 16 years old which has Rivco windows. They are now out of business. We have 6 windows that is foggy, steamy on the outside, 1 looks like it has water running down it. A few look like there is fungus on the inside of the window and they are hard to open and lock in the last year.
shirleyann
I just installed 2 new Simonton. Double hung vinyl. They looked exactly the same as and were much thicker than the old ones that were in my home. They seem to get a very good rating on the window forums. Just do a search for "simonton windows quality" or replacement windows forums". I did a lot of research before I bought them. I didn't see any negative reviews. I saw a lot of negative reviews about the HD and Lowes windows (Pella and cant remember the HD brand).I installed them myself and they are in and doing their job very well. I did have to heave one replaced though because the bottom sash was not closing evenly. I think the frame was defective. At first they thought it was the sash so they just sent me a new one. They did not give me any problem at all about it and even let me keep the extra sash. Now I have an extra sash in case one breaks or something. They seem to be very good quality for about $250 each. (not installed). Hope this helps. Good luck.
Pretty much most modern windows have easily removable sashes. Pull them out and take them to you local glass place (not big box) who can repair them.
ShirleyAnn,
I recently installed new windows at my in-laws house, and ordered "Empire Pacific" replacement windows from Lowes. We installed Empire Pacific windows in our own house and have been very happy with them, so that's what we chose for my in-laws as well. In this case, I was replacing old wood double-hung windows with the old style weights and cords. After careful measuring, I simply removed the old trim and sashes and put the new vinyl windows in their place. After sealing the gaps, caulking, and new trim they look and work great.
HOWEVER, if your house is only 16 years old it's unlikely you have the traditional double-hung windows in which case a "replacement" type window (the kind without flanges meant to replace old double-hungs) is probably not what you're looking for. Your existing window frames probably have flanges that are attached, sealed, and flashed under the siding and trim. It would be a lot bigger job to replace those with new windows. But, I'm betting any local glass shop could replace the actual panes of glass without much difficulty at a lower cost. Call around and see what they say...
Anthony
Eurovinyl or Rehau
HD up here uses (or used to, anyway, Bonneville windows. The higher priced Bonneville is a decent window, but HD, of course, only handled the "bargain" line which was FAR inferior
I'll second that. If you have good vinyl windows, new thermal units are easy to install and a LOT less money. Just make sure you get GOOD units. With "thermal break" spacers and at least 2 types, preferably 3, of sealer used in manufacture. The cheap units use the same urethane sealer for all 3 jobs. Argon Low E squared units are the most efficient double glazed units - and you can even get "self cleaning" glass.
Don't even remove the sash. Just have the glass guy come out and measure what is required. He will then order the units and replace them in situ.
We had our 11 windows (original aluminum, single-pane glass) replaced with double-hung vinyl windows by WorldofWindowsandSiding.com - they had the most competitive price, a lifetime, transferrable warranty, and they gave us a list of references. They measured, collected 1\\2 the cost, and when their guys came out to replace the windows, their work was done well and the windows looked great - inside and out. The did a great cleanup job, too.
My expectations were exceeded.
Single-pane aluminum is about the only thing I would consider vinyl an upgrade from....
-- aem sends...
Vinyl is an upgrade from MOST window technologies, in one way or another. IF you buy GOOD vinyl. It does not warp, rot, split or peel. It does not rust and is impervious to termite damage. It does not conduct heat, and never needs to be painted.
That beats wood, aluminum, and steel. What other materials are out there? Sure beats sashless.
If you go the "walmart" route and buy the cheapest crap you can get your hands on, made of unknown recycled vinyl instead of virgin material just to save a buck, then you are correct.
Have had pvc 2 pane sealed unit low e have been great All Weather brand here in Canada .
in pittsburgh theres a glass shop pittsburgh window and door that takes care of this affordably.
make appointment take glass and frame in early in AM pick up at 3 PM.
Our dogs bounce against the picture window it fogged, 75 bucks made it good as new about 4.5 feet by 4 feet
having done this in 2 homes the hassle is getting the glass module free. so you just remve the section, glass and its immediate frame.
very easy very cheap
Once I see a 50 or 60 year old vinyl window that has held up as well as properly-maintained wood or clad wood, I may believe the advertising claims. Even with all sorts of anti-UV additives added to the plastic, vinyl degrades with sunlight and thermal cycling. It is in the nature of the beast. Look at vinyl siding- after 20 years, even the high-end stuff is showing it's age.
And on an aesthetic level, vinyl windows, even high-end ones, just feel cheap to me. I like windows that I can't feel flex as I am opening and closing them. Sort of like the door on a Yugo versus the door on a Mercedes.
But if you are happy with yours, more power to you.
-- aem sends...
I realize the OP is talking about relatively new vinyl windows in a
16-yo house that have failed, but I just want to make the point that for those of us who have wood windows still in good shape (only needing some reglazing at most), pairing those with triple-track storms is 1) a lot cheaper than replacing with cheap vinyl or aluminum windows and 2) actually more energy efficient than said cheap new windows from a heat conservation and a no-new-landfill-waste standpoint. Any time someone suggests I replace my wood windows, circa 1930, I tell them there is NO payback, period, because the new stuff can't beat the old stuff. Also, I'm hearing from many many people lots of complaints about drafts with new windows, not exactly encouragement for me to throw money at them if my old ones work ok. And they look great, fitting the house.
And "All Weather" is only middle of the road. There are lots better. (ANd all-weather are pretty decent windowa when all is said and done)
AnthonyG_MA had written this in response to
Just wondering if you've made any decision as to the replacement windows? I have the same Rivco windows and am experiencing the same exact problem! My Gambrel is just under 15 years old, and the 2 dormers show signs of condensation on the inside, between the 2 panes of glass. The exterior sills have started to rot on these 2 windows as well. I am considering replacements, but am overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions involved!
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