My house is over 160 years old. It has the original wood-framed windows, in many cases with the original wavy glass. I’ve been thinking my next big project might be replacement windows. I only have 7 windows (or maybe 9) that need to be replaced. You see companies advertise all the time, but how do I know I need?
Any recommendations for companies or window types? The house is sided in the original wood. I’d added blow-in insulation in the walls.
StG
My house isn’t nearly as old as yours - but still almost 60-years old.
When I bought it, it had the original leaky wood, and rotting, windows. I first tried to buy local instead of big box, but every locally-made window company mandated having their guys replace the windows, or were simply more $$ than I could afford.
I ended up buying five windows from Menards (cheapest I could find, wood inside, vinyl exterior, as close as possible to the original style - any supplier will be able to match original specs) and having a contractor friend install them. Three other windows - last year - a very solvent with a fancy-assed house friend of mine replaced all the windows in her house to take advantage of the tax bennies; so I snagged three of her windows for free and a friend installed them.
I also shopped craigslist and HfH but didn’t score there. If you are trying to do this on a budget, know that replacement windows that are a little bit larger than your current opening are no big deal. Caulk and insulate the crap out of new windows or doors if you’re in a freezy-type climate.
We also have an old house (250 years!) and faced this decision about a decade ago. One option we looked at was custom restoration windows, where they’d use that wavy glass from your current windows and match their appearance. That’s expensive, however, and with 18 windows to replace it was prohibitive for us.
There are so many window manufacturers that I’m not sure what to advise, because it depends on what kind you want. But if you’re not going to install them yourself, I strongly recommend AGAINST using a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s to do the work…I’ve seen them hire crappy contractors, while adding a surcharge on top.
chiropetera - I’m in Tennessee, which gets below freezing in the winter and very hot in summer. My windows are not standard in size, about 72" or 96" (depending on which part if the house) X 28".
Maserschmidt - What about those replacement window/sunroom places?
StG
Contractor here. Marvin makes a nice insert you can custom size. Lots of choices, wood interior. Jeld-wen, too.
Find a couple of local contractors that have been in business at least 10 years. (make sure they are licensed, and that their license reflects ten years, not just their marketing brochures.) Check out the BBB, the local courts (see if any homeowners or subcontractors have sued them) and who their supplier is-make sure they have good credit. Ask for references, then actually check them.
Menards has good quality windows at good prices. If you can find a friend to install them, good!