April 1996
When should I buy new windows? Can't I just fix up the ones I have? How much will it all cost? Decisions: They'll either please you or trouble you for years.
After visiting the Pittsburgh Home Show recently we thought "No wonder homeowners are confused." Dozens of window dealers were on hand trying to convince you of the merits of their products. No one can say exactly what is the best choice for you. that is your decision, but we can offer you choices based on our own inspection and knowledge of products and their performance.
You should replace if your windows are steel casements, single pane glass, all aluminum or all wood, or are 25-year-old totally neglected windows, don't delay. They have probably been iced up and possibly damaging the walls around them. You're throwing money right out of those drafty energy inefficient windows. Begin now, even if you can only afford to replace three or four at a time.
Temporary repairs may be possible on windows that are not "totaled". If you've taken preventative measures over the years and have a few minor problems, these may be fixable. Latch, screen or cranks that are broken, double hungs that won't stay up, steamed-up glass are all repairable. Name brand windows have parts available for even 20 year old units. Usually on the bottom of the glass are very small notations that are the pertinent details. They may not make much sense to you, but tell the make of the window, the size and even when it was made. If you're mechanically inclined you can purchase parts and repair them yourself. If not, the major manufacturers have service people, but expect to pay a trip charge, parts and labor just as any "house call" technician would charge. Several we called charge about $45.00 to come out and labor by the hour if repairs get extensive, plus parts. A fellow from Sharpsburg said he would come out for $20 max, not knowing I was calling from Bethel Park.
If your only problem is steamed-up glass, you can get that glass reglazed for about $120 for an aluminum frame window that is 36"x38". The phone book lists many companies: pick someone local. If all your windows need work, it's certainly a good idea to consider replacing.
Now the difficult questions. Do I replace only the sash (the part that holds the glass) or should I change the frame and everything? The area of glass frequently gets reduced when you change sash only and you still have the old frames. Again, if you've cared for these frames and they're in good shape, it is possible to change the sash. Sash replacement is not cheap either. We priced two manufacturers; the cost was between $240 and $340 for a 3'x3' double hung with new screen, hardware and colonial bars. The more expensive was custom made to assure an exact fit, was just one piece and easy to install. The other we priced cost less, but it has many pieces, with increased possibilities to leak and more difficult for you to install. These repairs may get you by for a while, but while you're playing the waiting game, window prices only go up, usually in the spring of each year. Remodeling magazines predict that you will recoup 80 to 85% of the money you spend today on windows when you sell your home, lessen the cost of your fuel bills immediately and enjoy added comfort and beauty. There is nothing worse than sitting near a drafty iced over the window, hazy inside with the wallpaper and paint peeling around it.
If you need to replace the entire window, many of the best windows come in dozens of "standard sizes". This enables the manufacturer to produce a superior product but offer it at reasonable pricing. In our area, most homes are good candidates for these standard sizes. Parts and service are readily available for standard sizes (even years later). Custom windows are also available. Compare quality and cost; don't pay more for a 36" custom when it's available as a standard.
Wood windows covered on the outside (clad) for maintenance free exteriors are agreeably the choice of most architects, real estate people and this contractor. They are more energy efficient and stronger than others. Your home is made of wood "clad" on the outside and brick, aluminum or vinyl. Wood windows have gorgeous interiors: a coat of stain or paint and polyurethane will be needed initially.
Vinyl windows come in varying degrees of quality, hard to determine. Vinyl can twist, shrink and crack (even welded corners) so it is imperative that you deal with an established company, one that has been in business a long time and will be around in years to come. Vinyl windows have generally white easy care interiors and white or almond exteriors. Vinyl is not available in dark colors because of the absorption of the sun. Installation of these windows is not as involved as the wood windows, so the cost to install may be less, but they are custom made so the difference in cost may not be as much.
Sue Clark, Clark Construction
April 1996