WELCOME : WINDOWS
Windows are a marvelous enhancement to any home
Yet, when they stop operating properly, you have a problem. Can the originals be restored to last another 150 years, or will they have to be replaced with new modern windows? Are parts available to repair replacement windows? Adding to the hurdles, will you be able to maintain the original architectural character of the house?
Almost any old, leaky, wood window can be restored to its former beauty by a skilled restoration craftsman. When the superior quality of an original window is combined with today's new technology, the result is a beautiful energy-efficient window. And through the use of new epoxy compounds, repair costs can be cut drastically. It is also entirely possible that a new custom window can be built to the exact specifications as the original. This can be done, but at a much higher cost then rebuilding the original. Another alternative is to re-weather strip your old window.
As a carpenter, my preference is always wood. Wood has 1,100 times the insulating value of aluminum. Wood is a natural renewable resource. White pine has superior performance and grows fast. Walnut, mahogany or cherry take 200 years to replenish themselves, as a result these woods are much more expensive to work with then white pine. A white pine, wood window with either aluminum or vinyl exterior cladding is both beautiful and hassle free. The interior wood can be painted or stained to resemble any wood color or finish.
The use of vinyl windows has grown dramatically. In 2003, vinyl windows accounted for 56% of the window market. This growth has been the result of:
Affordable
Durable
Energy Efficient
Aesthetically appealing (now available in colors)
Requires little no maintenance
Some of today's replacement windows are twice as efficient as the average replacement window produced just ten years ago because of insulated glass, low-E (low emissivity) coating and Argon gas. You may pay a little more for an upgraded window, but save in heating and cooling costs, and in most instances parts are available for these windows.
No single solution is right for every home. It is wise to think in terms of making an investment that will pay off for years. It is also important to ask how long will you stay in the house, and who is going to take care of your window in the years to come.
The best choice isn’t always clear.
At a time when everything is disposable and the idea of energy efficiency is hotter than ever, vinyl replacement windows are often the first choice of homeowners who don’t want to mess with the time and expense of fixing old windows. Keep in mind vinyl windows have a much shorter lifespan and eventually will have to be replaced. Old wood windows often last 100 years or more and the cost over the life time is comparable with replacement windows.
