Replacing all windows in house
#1
02-26-08, 08:50 AM
Replacing all windows in house
This isn't really a do it yourself thing but thought I'd get some professional opinions. I am looking at replacing all my windows in my house with either 2 pane or 3 pane windows. It's a 1950's home with original windows, single pane with storm windows.
can someone tell me is there really that big of difference with the 2 and 3 pane windows? what is the price difference between the 2?
I have about 10 normal sized windows and a large bay window. What is the best material for these windows? Vinyl? I'm not real familiar with the material
Also can someone give me a ballpark range of what that usually costs with labor nad material?
I know this is a generic question with millions of answers but I'll take what I can get
can someone tell me is there really that big of difference with the 2 and 3 pane windows? what is the price difference between the 2?
I have about 10 normal sized windows and a large bay window. What is the best material for these windows? Vinyl? I'm not real familiar with the material
Also can someone give me a ballpark range of what that usually costs with labor nad material?
I know this is a generic question with millions of answers but I'll take what I can get
#2
02-26-08, 11:47 AM
Window Replacements
We use to do window replacement for over 15 years. During that time we replaced windows with aluminum, wood and vinyl. We did mostly double pane using low-e glass with argon filling.
Based on our experience I would go with double pane windows over 3 pane unless there are some special requirements. For example, you can use 3 pane varying glass size as an excellent sound barrier. Otherwise, I think that you would be wasting your money. Low emissivity coatings and argon fill insulated units work great and should you need to replace a unit you will be saving a lot of money.
For a more competitive window vinyl windows do a good job. Just be sure to look at things like ease of replacement, reputation of company and warranty. In our area we have one company that warranties the windows for the lifetime of the original owner including labor. The company is well established and has a good probability to be around to replace them.
You should also look at windows that fit your house. If you have a high end house the worst thing that you can do is put in cheap windows. I remember a person who had a beautiful old farm house with wooden double hung windows. He replaced them with cheap sliding windows and totally destroyed the look of the house.
If you can afford them there are some great wooden and wooden clad windows out there. We used to use a lot of Anderson and Marvin windows. When we built a home I chose Marvin wood with aluminum clad exteriors. Pella and Peachtree also make good windows. These manufacturers are building more cost-effective alternatives and you know that you can always find parts in the future.
If possible I would try to stick with standard size windows over custom size. Should you ever need to replace a broken unit or get parts it is a much easier process. Also, you can have a chance of looking at your house in a more overall perspective. You may wish to enlarge windows especially in dark rooms or bedrooms where you may need larger windows for escapement. If you house is "over-windowed" you may want to reduce the size because insulated walls are much better insulating than windows. Also, consider areas where you may want to replace a fixed window with an opening one.
Replacement costs depend upon labor rates in your area, size of window, complexity of trim, etc. I would imagine you would be looking at labor and material rates that vary between $250 to $500 depending upon the size of the window and the complexity of the job. Ordering custom sized windows to fit in existing openings is much cheaper since you don't have to remove outside casings and inside sills and trims. If you take this route be careful that your windows can be well sealed on the outside and that the finished job will meet your requirements.
I never saw a person who regretted putting better windows in a house but have seen a lot who regretted cheap windows. If a person really likes their house and intends to stay in it I feel that it is better to take areas at a time or incorporate good windows in with remodeling areas of the house.
Jim
Jim
Based on our experience I would go with double pane windows over 3 pane unless there are some special requirements. For example, you can use 3 pane varying glass size as an excellent sound barrier. Otherwise, I think that you would be wasting your money. Low emissivity coatings and argon fill insulated units work great and should you need to replace a unit you will be saving a lot of money.
For a more competitive window vinyl windows do a good job. Just be sure to look at things like ease of replacement, reputation of company and warranty. In our area we have one company that warranties the windows for the lifetime of the original owner including labor. The company is well established and has a good probability to be around to replace them.
You should also look at windows that fit your house. If you have a high end house the worst thing that you can do is put in cheap windows. I remember a person who had a beautiful old farm house with wooden double hung windows. He replaced them with cheap sliding windows and totally destroyed the look of the house.
If you can afford them there are some great wooden and wooden clad windows out there. We used to use a lot of Anderson and Marvin windows. When we built a home I chose Marvin wood with aluminum clad exteriors. Pella and Peachtree also make good windows. These manufacturers are building more cost-effective alternatives and you know that you can always find parts in the future.
If possible I would try to stick with standard size windows over custom size. Should you ever need to replace a broken unit or get parts it is a much easier process. Also, you can have a chance of looking at your house in a more overall perspective. You may wish to enlarge windows especially in dark rooms or bedrooms where you may need larger windows for escapement. If you house is "over-windowed" you may want to reduce the size because insulated walls are much better insulating than windows. Also, consider areas where you may want to replace a fixed window with an opening one.
Replacement costs depend upon labor rates in your area, size of window, complexity of trim, etc. I would imagine you would be looking at labor and material rates that vary between $250 to $500 depending upon the size of the window and the complexity of the job. Ordering custom sized windows to fit in existing openings is much cheaper since you don't have to remove outside casings and inside sills and trims. If you take this route be careful that your windows can be well sealed on the outside and that the finished job will meet your requirements.
I never saw a person who regretted putting better windows in a house but have seen a lot who regretted cheap windows. If a person really likes their house and intends to stay in it I feel that it is better to take areas at a time or incorporate good windows in with remodeling areas of the house.
Jim
Jim
#3
02-26-08, 02:23 PM
Great reply, I appreciate the time and effort you put into it. I will definately keep those ideas all in mind.
Originally Posted by modela
We use to do window replacement for over 15 years. During that time we replaced windows with aluminum, wood and vinyl. We did mostly double pane using low-e glass with argon filling.
Based on our experience I would go with double pane windows over 3 pane unless there are some special requirements. For example, you can use 3 pane varying glass size as an excellent sound barrier. Otherwise, I think that you would be wasting your money. Low emissivity coatings and argon fill insulated units work great and should you need to replace a unit you will be saving a lot of money.
For a more competitive window vinyl windows do a good job. Just be sure to look at things like ease of replacement, reputation of company and warranty. In our area we have one company that warranties the windows for the lifetime of the original owner including labor. The company is well established and has a good probability to be around to replace them.
You should also look at windows that fit your house. If you have a high end house the worst thing that you can do is put in cheap windows. I remember a person who had a beautiful old farm house with wooden double hung windows. He replaced them with cheap sliding windows and totally destroyed the look of the house.
If you can afford them there are some great wooden and wooden clad windows out there. We used to use a lot of Anderson and Marvin windows. When we built a home I chose Marvin wood with aluminum clad exteriors. Pella and Peachtree also make good windows. These manufacturers are building more cost-effective alternatives and you know that you can always find parts in the future.
If possible I would try to stick with standard size windows over custom size. Should you ever need to replace a broken unit or get parts it is a much easier process. Also, you can have a chance of looking at your house in a more overall perspective. You may wish to enlarge windows especially in dark rooms or bedrooms where you may need larger windows for escapement. If you house is "over-windowed" you may want to reduce the size because insulated walls are much better insulating than windows. Also, consider areas where you may want to replace a fixed window with an opening one.
Replacement costs depend upon labor rates in your area, size of window, complexity of trim, etc. I would imagine you would be looking at labor and material rates that vary between $250 to $500 depending upon the size of the window and the complexity of the job. Ordering custom sized windows to fit in existing openings is much cheaper since you don't have to remove outside casings and inside sills and trims. If you take this route be careful that your windows can be well sealed on the outside and that the finished job will meet your requirements.
I never saw a person who regretted putting better windows in a house but have seen a lot who regretted cheap windows. If a person really likes their house and intends to stay in it I feel that it is better to take areas at a time or incorporate good windows in with remodeling areas of the house.
Jim
Jim
Based on our experience I would go with double pane windows over 3 pane unless there are some special requirements. For example, you can use 3 pane varying glass size as an excellent sound barrier. Otherwise, I think that you would be wasting your money. Low emissivity coatings and argon fill insulated units work great and should you need to replace a unit you will be saving a lot of money.
For a more competitive window vinyl windows do a good job. Just be sure to look at things like ease of replacement, reputation of company and warranty. In our area we have one company that warranties the windows for the lifetime of the original owner including labor. The company is well established and has a good probability to be around to replace them.
You should also look at windows that fit your house. If you have a high end house the worst thing that you can do is put in cheap windows. I remember a person who had a beautiful old farm house with wooden double hung windows. He replaced them with cheap sliding windows and totally destroyed the look of the house.
If you can afford them there are some great wooden and wooden clad windows out there. We used to use a lot of Anderson and Marvin windows. When we built a home I chose Marvin wood with aluminum clad exteriors. Pella and Peachtree also make good windows. These manufacturers are building more cost-effective alternatives and you know that you can always find parts in the future.
If possible I would try to stick with standard size windows over custom size. Should you ever need to replace a broken unit or get parts it is a much easier process. Also, you can have a chance of looking at your house in a more overall perspective. You may wish to enlarge windows especially in dark rooms or bedrooms where you may need larger windows for escapement. If you house is "over-windowed" you may want to reduce the size because insulated walls are much better insulating than windows. Also, consider areas where you may want to replace a fixed window with an opening one.
Replacement costs depend upon labor rates in your area, size of window, complexity of trim, etc. I would imagine you would be looking at labor and material rates that vary between $250 to $500 depending upon the size of the window and the complexity of the job. Ordering custom sized windows to fit in existing openings is much cheaper since you don't have to remove outside casings and inside sills and trims. If you take this route be careful that your windows can be well sealed on the outside and that the finished job will meet your requirements.
I never saw a person who regretted putting better windows in a house but have seen a lot who regretted cheap windows. If a person really likes their house and intends to stay in it I feel that it is better to take areas at a time or incorporate good windows in with remodeling areas of the house.
Jim
Jim
#4
02-26-08, 03:19 PM
A complete window replacement, frame and all, is expensive and may not be needed. 'Replacement' windows, only replace the sash, and are considerably less expensive, and may even be a DIY job if you are handy. Use replacements if the old frames are solid, with no rot in the sills. Marvin & Weathershield have replacement sash kits that replace the sash only with new jamb liners. They are about twice the cost of replacement vinyl windows, which is a complete window that fits into your old frame. All require only the removal of the stop molding on the inside. I would recommend that the casing trim be removed and that air space be insulated.
My recommendation for vinyl would be Certainteed, but I am very biased. There are other good vinyl windows, but none at big box stores. Complete window replacement will be expensive, because a lot of labor is involved. As suggested above, Andersen makes an excellent product and backs them up with excellent service. Marvin is a bit more pricey, but a quality product. IMHO, Pella is no good, they do not stand behind their product. Double glazed glass w/Lo-E/argon is usually fine for the lower 48. Some parts of the country may warrant the extra cost of triple glazing, but consider this only if you will remain in the house a long time.
My recommendation for vinyl would be Certainteed, but I am very biased. There are other good vinyl windows, but none at big box stores. Complete window replacement will be expensive, because a lot of labor is involved. As suggested above, Andersen makes an excellent product and backs them up with excellent service. Marvin is a bit more pricey, but a quality product. IMHO, Pella is no good, they do not stand behind their product. Double glazed glass w/Lo-E/argon is usually fine for the lower 48. Some parts of the country may warrant the extra cost of triple glazing, but consider this only if you will remain in the house a long time.
