replacement sashes with more glass, energy efficiency?
#1
05-02-07, 06:00 PM
replacement sashes with more glass, energy efficiency?
Hi,
I have a 1920's house in St. Louis with the original wood windows and ugly aluminum storm windows. I would like to have more energy efficient windows that look good. Frames are in pretty good shape.
I was told I will lose about an inch of glass all around by replacing the sashes because it is like putting a frame within the frame. However, some manufacturers (Marvin, at least) have some sort of snap-in system track where you don't lose any glass, but these don't have an energy efficient rating because of the energy lost around the window, according to the sales guy. Also, I have read that you can improve your energy efficiency by removing the trim and insulating in the old "pockets" where the weights and chains are.
So, I would appreciate if anyone can tell me--
1) Are there any known problems with the replacement sashes that don't require a frame, and is it true that there is no energy efficiency rating for these types of windows?
2) If I am going to go through the trouble of removing the trim and whatever else is required to insulate around the frames, should I consider just getting replacement frames, too? I mean, is it a lot more work?
3) When I get new sashes, I guess I won't need my old storm windows. But will my windows look wrong from the outside without the storm windows since they are made to have storm windows?
4) What are the advantages of aluminum clad versus vinyl clad?
Thanks
I have a 1920's house in St. Louis with the original wood windows and ugly aluminum storm windows. I would like to have more energy efficient windows that look good. Frames are in pretty good shape.
I was told I will lose about an inch of glass all around by replacing the sashes because it is like putting a frame within the frame. However, some manufacturers (Marvin, at least) have some sort of snap-in system track where you don't lose any glass, but these don't have an energy efficient rating because of the energy lost around the window, according to the sales guy. Also, I have read that you can improve your energy efficiency by removing the trim and insulating in the old "pockets" where the weights and chains are.
So, I would appreciate if anyone can tell me--
1) Are there any known problems with the replacement sashes that don't require a frame, and is it true that there is no energy efficiency rating for these types of windows?
2) If I am going to go through the trouble of removing the trim and whatever else is required to insulate around the frames, should I consider just getting replacement frames, too? I mean, is it a lot more work?
3) When I get new sashes, I guess I won't need my old storm windows. But will my windows look wrong from the outside without the storm windows since they are made to have storm windows?
4) What are the advantages of aluminum clad versus vinyl clad?
Thanks
#2
05-03-07, 11:13 AM
What you're thinking of is the Marvin Tilt-Pac. I just bought some. They are double pane, low-E, argon-filled and do have an energy rating, but I don't recall if they are "Energy Star" rated and thus eligible for the tax credit. They are pretty easy to install, less than an hour per window. I did not have pulleys and weights, so I only had to remove the interior trim to insulate around the existing frames.
They are not cheap by any means. Most of my windows are 2-0 x 3-10, and the Tilt-Pacs were about $350 apiece with a 6-week lead time. And that did not include screens. I just left my storm windows on and use their screens.
They are not cheap by any means. Most of my windows are 2-0 x 3-10, and the Tilt-Pacs were about $350 apiece with a 6-week lead time. And that did not include screens. I just left my storm windows on and use their screens.
#3
05-04-07, 04:16 AM
I installed Marvin Tilt-Pac sashes in my house over 20 yrs ago. I calulated my fuel savings that winter at about 20% over the old single glazed/storm setup. I doubt that those windows have gotten worse, it is just harder to comply with energy rating companies. Marvin makes a quality product. I think WeatherShield also makes a sash replacment system. Not sure of anyone else. One of the major complaints with replacement windows(not sashes) is the same as yours, lose of glass area.
#4
05-04-07, 04:47 AM
Member
Sashes
I installed replacement sashes made by JeldWen available from Lowes by special order. Double pane, low-e glass. Installation was about 30 minutes per window by a myself, a DIY non-professional carpenter. Kit included a plastic track system and two sashes for double hung windows. Sashes tilt for easy cleaning. I left my storm windows in place. Good luck with your project.
