| Author |
Message |
    
Bmpsab
| | Posted on Sunday, February 4, 2001 - 10:03 pm: |     |
We need to replace our very old windows. Does anyone have any recommendations for a reliable/not too expensive person/company who could do this? Thanks. |
Nottimallen
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 7, 2001 - 2:44 pm: | |
Don't have any specific leads (looking for info myself on this). However, last weekend's real estate section of the Times had a great article that summarized the various levels of windows one could buy, including what quality is available at what price levels. Check it out. |
Bmpsab
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 9:00 am: | |
I actually saw that article and that was what made me think I really needed to get a move on this project. Thanks for the tip, though. |
Mim
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 9:18 am: | |
I got a door from Tru-Thermal and was impressed by their operation -- good quality products and excellent service. They also 'do windows.' |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 10:23 am: | |
Has anyone dealt with Home Depot for window replacement? How did the prices and service compare to others?
Bacata |
Twig
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 11:00 am: | |
I didn't see the Times article but we also have window problems. We don't know whether we're better off replacing the entire windows with new thermal ones or just replacing our battered storms and leaving the original windows. Any ideas on what it would cost per window to replace existing windows with a mid-grade thermal? (I assume they come in various grades) Is it worth it in terms of heating/cooling bills? Suggestions on who to get to do this? Sorry for all the questions but we don't know anything about this and really need the advice because we have to do something this summer. Thanks. |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 11:10 am: | |
Good questions, Twig. I also understand there is a way to retrofit utilizing existing interior woodwork (for those who have nice, old trim who want to save it.) Technically we could probably get away with just replacing all of the storms (some are the yearly hang up and take down variety) and a few of the windows completely (those that leak into the exterior walls or whose cords/chains are gone altogether, requiring propping open). Has anyone done that kind of selective replacement or used the "retrofitting" option?
Bacata |
Phyllis
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 11:11 am: | |
The guys at Tru-Thermal are Maplewood residents and are a pleasure to do work with. They did our windows a while back and we are happy with the result. It seems like they've done a good deal of replacements here in town. |
Newurbanist
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 11:37 am: | |
Food for thought:
Single-pane windows with good, tight fitting storms are just as efficient as double pane, insulated glass. You'll likely never get a payback from the new windows to justify their cost.
If comfort is the issue, why not save lots of money and get better storms. If aesthetics are the issue, why not rehab the old window sash - they'll look better than new vinyl or aluminum windows. If you were planning on replacing with high quality wood windows, see the payback comment above. |
Taj
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 12:46 pm: | |
What is the phone # for Tru-Thermal and where are they located? |
Phyllis
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 1:25 pm: | |
I don't have the number handy for TruThermal, but they are located in Maplewood and they're in the book.
They are not high pressure salesmen, so you can easily have a conversation just to see what your options are and what they can do. I think they'll leave you alone to make your decision. |
Taj
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 1:33 pm: | |
Phyllis,
Thank you for the info. |
Lseltzer
| | Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2001 - 2:27 pm: | |
I've also used True Thermal (762-5986) and I'm very happy with the Windows. The installer is great. They did the entire house (15 windows I think) in less than a day. |
Nilmiester
| | Posted on Friday, February 9, 2001 - 6:59 am: | |
Lseltzer- If you don't mind my asking, how much per window? Is it better to get many windows price wise? Thanks, |
Lseltzer
| | Posted on Friday, February 9, 2001 - 7:42 am: | |
I don't remember the figure, but I know they were very expensive (several hundred $$$) because we got odd windows. My wife didn't want the vinyl look so we got vinyl windows with a wood overlay and painted them. In that sense, the painting is part of the cost.
(By the way, as you can tell from the survey, most people on this board prefer windows.  ) |
Eliz
| | Posted on Friday, February 9, 2001 - 11:05 am: | |
Bacata - We had 12 windows when we moved in that the chains/ropes were broken and I was worried about little fingers getting smooshed - our painter was able to replace the chains for a modest cost (he also replaced cracked glass panes at the same time). The cost of replacing windows is prohibitive for us right now but this was certainly manageable.
If we were DIY types I'm pretty sure we could have done it ourselves. |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Friday, February 9, 2001 - 1:07 pm: | |
Nil, lot's of places advertise a deal that for every three or four windows you replace, they throw in another one "free." Obviously, that "free" window is built into the cost up front. I don't know if you can get a volume discount when ordering from Pella or Anderson or whatever when you buy through Home Depot or a similar place. I think I once counted 28 windows on our house and I don't remember if that includes the attic. Now that could get expensive fast.
Eliz, thanks for the info. I will definitely look into that for windows that are otherwise okay. I've checked books and videos about the do it yourself replacement process for chains or cords but it still seems like too much for us.
Anyone have recent experience with just getting storm windows replaced (including the framing since ours are coming apart at the seams where they exist at all.) Cost?
Bacata |
Nilmiester
| | Posted on Friday, February 9, 2001 - 5:55 pm: | |
THanks Bacata. I see lots of advertising but I don't like those vinyl plastic windows that are one single pane with fake metal grids. I know wood ones would be expensive but they look better in these old homes. Then I start counting and all of them and I give up! |
Jgberkeley
| | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 9:33 am: | |
I just finished a bedroom last night. We hate the vinyl stuff. What we found was the Pella store in Springfield. I measure the windows per the directions, and they have a metal outside, wood inside window that is custom made and fits into the existing wood frame. The inside trim does not have to be replaced. Pella has people who will install them, but I got the video tape and did it my self. Took 4-6 hours for the first one, now 16 windows later (3 to go) it takes me about 45 minutes to remove and install, then about an hour to finish the trim work. (I replace the case molding, it looks so much better) Cost is about $250 to $300 per window, but I'd rather put the money into the window than settle for less and pay the labor. If you want to look, I have many finished, 3 in final trim, 2 just set, and 3 waiting for a free weekend. If you are handy I'll show you the steps. This has become a labor of love, and the windows are very nice when installed. |
Bill
| | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 5:47 pm: | |
Just bought my home in November and the storm windows were terrible, must have been 40 years old. Some were missing the entire store window pane, others we couldn't push up, others had the frames broken. Didn't do much for keeping the heat in.
We didn't want to ruin the old windows because they were in good shape, except for some molding. Went to Home Depot and ordered all new storms(about $55. each) There were 3 types of storms HD carried from a company called MIFAB. I bought the mid-range priced ones(Certifier).
Put them in myself. I'm a self proclaimed do-it-yourselfer, but it wasn't difficult at all. Just make sure you measure correctly before you order. It has made a huge difference in warmth and noise level also. Best money I've spent yet. |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 11:10 pm: | |
Thanks for the info, Bill. So if someone asks if you do windows, you answer "Sure!", right?
I could probably do the 1st floor ones myself but I tend to feel too shaky up on the ladder at the second floor and attic levels. Maybe I'll hire someone to do the upper windows. (My ladder should be a bit bigger, hard to reach without stretching.)
Did you get the ones that included screens? How do you measure or do they have a handout on that at HD?
Bacata |
Sullymw
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 8:56 am: | |
I have replaced most of the windows in our home with double-hung, double-pane, vinyl clad windows from Home Depot. They are a cinch to install if you are the least bit handy. You remove the stop molding, parting bead and counter-weights from the old window and slide the new window into place. A few screws and caulk plus new stop molding and the window is done. They are functional, air-tight and you can get them with grilles to match existing styles. Our windows range from $150-$200 each depending on size, grilles and types of insulated glass. I have done windows on my 2nd floor from the inside. No need to go up on a ladder outside. The only reason you might need a ladder is to complete the exterior caulking, but I am tall enough to hang out the window and reach all 4 sides from the inside. Frankly, the hardest part is getting an accurate measurement. Take 3 measurements in each direction and give Home Depot the smallest measurements, not the largest, not an average (you want to make sure the window is small enough to fit into the smallest dimension). The windows have a 1/4"-3/4" expansion capability too.
Good luck! |
Bill
| | Posted on Friday, February 16, 2001 - 5:32 pm: | |
Bacata,
Rule of thumb is...if you have to stretch, don't. The screens are part of the storm window package, ie frame, two storms and a screen. There are brochures right in front of the storm windows at HD explaining how to measure. Ask the window people at HD also.
If you have existing storms, just measure from one end of the frame to the other horizontally and vertically. They refer to this as "tip to tip" The storm window frames are adjustable to an extent also.
Hope this helps |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2001 - 8:06 am: | |
Thanks to all for the great info on window replacements.
Bacata |
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