Residential window replacement... Got any advice? Horror stories?

[Zenlitened]

Probably going with vinyl, double-hung, low-e/argon. Have received estimates ALL OVER the scale! :crazy:

:hi:

[Rockholm]

1. DON'T REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS WITH VINYL!!!!!!

Sorry to be an all caps freak about it, but please don't replace them with vinyl.
First off, why are you replacing your windows? If you have old windows, what are their particular issues? Vinyl storm windows have a very short life expectancy, will have challenges with leaks, and they look ugly and cheapen the look of a house. If your current windows are mullioned, you will forever change the look of your house and give it a dead-look if you go with the clear panels.
Existing wooden windows can easily be repaired, if all you need to do is re-glaze them. Storm windows along with wood windows will actually do a better job than vinyl. If it is for energy conservation, 80% of the heat loss in a home if thru the roof. Only 10% is from the windows. What kind of storms do you have?
Oh, so many questions.

[Zenlitened]

2. All-caps not a problem! I've been discovering that window replacement...

... is a very highly-charged topic! :hi:

The old windows (about 25 years old, original construction) are aluminum frame, so the cold just seems to pour through them into the house the wintertime. To the point where frost forms on the aluminum most mornings. Inside the house!

That's really my top reason for considering replacements.

Also, the glass is all clouded, indicating the seals have gone and whatever insulating gas was between the panes (argon?) has long since seeped away.

And in a good nor'easter, the curtains in windows facing the storm have been seen to move! Brrrr.

Your statistic about heat loss (roof versus window) is interesting. I confess I haven't done a test to look for infrared hot-spots during cold weather. But I'm considering adding insulation to the attic, anyway. It's a relatively small space, and I think I can do it myself fairly inexpensively. Just waiting for cooler weather to set in before I take on that project!

Do you think vinyl windows are uniformly bad? Most models I've looked at offer mullions as an option, plus an outer sill meant to mimic traditional windows, etc. And to be honest, my house is hardly a historic treasure.

I guess the biggest appeal in vinyl for me is the cost -- less than wood just about always, from what I can tell -- and the low maintenance.

I definitely appreciate your taking the time to reply to my OP, so I look forward to hearing your additional thoughts. Even in all-caps! :D

[TaleWgnDg]

3. Hmmmm. I've replaced all the windows in my parents home . . .

with Andersen windows. That was back in early 1990's. No problem. Never. Wood, tilt-in, standard 6 on 6 light/grille pattern. Some of their neighbors did likewise. Again, no problem. Another of their neighbors recently renovated their 2-season porch into a 4-season room. Again, w/ Andersen windows. And, again, no problems.

No, I'm no salesperson of Andersen. And I receive no benefits now (or ever) from Andersen. Instead, I am one very happy Andersen consumer (for my parents, that is), period. Another word of advice. Look for monetary enhancement of your home. In other words, ask yourself if blank-blank (brand name) replacement windows will enhance the resale value of your home? I know that Andersen windows do. It's well worth the expense.

And, btw, check your own city or town to see if it offers a green conservation program for homeowners who install energy-conserving devices in their homes. Then see if your replacement windows qualify for grant monies, if any, from your city or town. Yup, some cities and towns will give you money for installing energy-conserving devices in your home.

Good luck.

[Rockholm]

4. Wood vs. Vinyl

Wood replacement windows are fine! MUCH preferred over vinyl. Pella and Andersen both make excellent wood windows and have excellent options. Mullioned windows with true divided lights that are historical and accurate replications are used in many historic districts. One thing, and I truly hope not to offend (and apologize now if I do), window that have the little snap on grille that tries to mimic divided light windows look very bad. Very bad. There is a growing backlash now on homes with vinyl and aluminum siding and cheap windows. If you want the most for resale in your home, it is best to paint the wood, stain it, whatever. Just don't cover it. BTW, you do have to wash vinyl vindows. They do get dirty and the vinyl does break down over time.

My last home, which I bought for the location and planned on doing a major rebuild (50's ranch) had metal windows in the LR and DR (huge walls of glass). I remember how cold they got and they also started to fog up. You are better off replacing them.

As far as the heat sensing on the home, I had both the architect and builder who were going to rebuild that home told me about heat loss. My current home is a 1916 stucco home that has very little insulation. The insulation salesmen that I interviewed all told me that same thing. The most important place to insulate is the attic floor due to where you heat actually escapes. My new old home has all original windows (in extremely good shape) and 50% of the original wood storm windows. Believe it or not, they are better than the combination storms on the remainder of the house.

Ah, the joys of old house restoration.

[Zenlitened]

7. Sounds like I ought to give wood frames a closer look.

Thanks for sharing your perspective. :hi:

[Zenlitened]

8. Great idea -- I'll look into that!

Thanks!

"And, btw, check your own city or town to see if it offers a green conservation program for homeowners who install energy-conserving devices in their homes. Then see if your replacement windows qualify for grant monies, if any, from your city or town. Yup, some cities and towns will give you money for installing energy-conserving devices in your home."

:hi:

[Ian David]

5. I've got Newpro windows, and I'm VERY happy with them. HOWEVER..

I have mixed feelings about Newpro doors.

I'm mostly happy with the Newpro doors, but overwhelmingly satisfied with the windows and with the service I have received.

Also, and this is VERY important-- If you want to contact a Newpro dealer for sales or service near you, do not just look them up on Google or an online yellow pages. There are fly-by-night con artists who use key-word spamming and misrepresent themselves as Newpro dealers.

Go to http://www.newpro.com/

If you decide to buy Newpro, please let me know, because I can get some kind of referral bonus.

Thanks!

[Zenlitened]

6. Hmmm... I've talked with Newpro, and I agree the product looks great.

It's the price that nearly made me faint!

Were you able to bargain them down at all?

:)