Best Options for Window and Door Replacement

By Paul Bianchina

Q: I just purchased a 1969 house with original everything. I definitely need to replace the old metal windows and the front and back doors, but I'm in a neighborhood of low- to mid-range homes, and I'm not sure what to use or where to start my research. Can you help?
--Jan D.

A: Vinyl windows and patio doors would definitely be your best bet. They are quiet, very energy efficient, look good with just about any house style, and are relatively inexpensive, so it would be tough to find a better choice.

There are several price ranges of vinyl windows, depending on the width of the air space between the glass panes (the wider the space, the more energy efficient they are), how the panes operate, whether you utilize a glass coating such as low-E (another energy-saving feature), the type of locking hardware, and other factors. The price also varies by whether you can utilize a stock-size window or whether you have to have one made up to fit an odd-sized opening.

I would contact a couple of different companies for quotes. They will send an estimator out to your house to measure your windows, look at installation options, and show you the different price lines they carry. I would suggest one or two quotes from specialized window shops - they are the best qualified and carry the widest assortment of window lines - and you can try one of the large home centers as well. I would definitely avoid the department stores for this.

For mid-range doors, you have a choice between wood and insulated metal. Your best option would be to, if possible, replace the entire pre-hung door unit, which allows you to upgrade not only the door, but also the frame, weather-stripping, sill, and hinges. If the existing frame would be difficult to get out - for example, if it's set into brick or stucco - you can also have a new door cut and mortised to fit the existing frame size and hinge locations. Anyone you have come out to look at the windows should be able to help you with the doors as well, or can at least recommend someone.

Whomever you hire for the work needs to be licensed, bonded and insured, and you need to verify this information. Get all agreements in writing, and never pay for the entire job up-front, no matter how great a deal is promised to you.

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