Window Help
Dana Folkerts
Before I dive into my story I'll let you all know I'm seeking some
advice and hopefully a recommendation on who could help me out with my
project. Thanks also to those who receive this and have already
shared.
We are in the process of refinancing with NFC currently and hoping it
is going to be a good decision and put 10k towards some good progress
in the seemingly endless fix up of our 1909 home in the Drake
Neighborhood. They have sent their city guy over to do and assessment
of the property and everything seems good and solid in the house so we
discussed probably spending the money on windows. He wrote up his
proposal on spending X amount of dollars fixing the originals up.
My wife and I were actually hoping to spend money replacing the
windows since they are currently painted and painted shut and even
though we've never tested there has to be lead paint somewhere on
them. We have kiddos who have been tested and results are negative.
Our conundrum here is that 23 windows to replace is much more
expensive than we thought since I cannot do the work myself (NFC
requires someone in the biz to do the work). and the new lead
procedures is causing some nice increases in costs.
So we are throwing around the idea of maybe replacing some or change
gears and really look at fixing them up. Here is where maybe somebody
can help us out. I have no idea where to start looking for someone to
come and bid stripping paint off my sashes, re-glazing probably every
window, replacing broken panes and putting on new storms or building
back some originals and whatever weatherstripping we can do. The wood
seems solid everywhere so no major work needed just a simple tedious
project.
If anyone knows someone please send them my way. Thanks
jlarsen
in the labor to make your current windows "right". From an aesthetic
viewpoint on older windows, it's akin to a more bandage approach in my
estimation. While the windows may come out looking better, it doesn't really
address the condition of the wood sash, wood frame, efficiency, etc.
I suppose we are all on a different level of broke these days, but in
developing your strategy for the project, the question bears answering: what
is the goal of window renovation? I cannot speak in terms of energy
efficiency as there are too many variables that would need to be addressed
in order to give accurate numbers based on data supplied by Efficient
Windows and other sites. If you are addressing cold spots in the rooms, low
(or lower) maintenance down the road, and a reduction in your heating costs,
by all means look into replacing the windows. While I will always maintain
you should buy the best windows for your home if you are to replace them, I
understand some things can be daunting (paying the bill!).
I would suggest at least looking at replacing out the windows that need them
(bedrooms, sitting areas, etc.) and develop a strategy of getting them
replaced in a 5 or 10 year phase if your current budget doesn't allow for
the entire project. I would surmise there are other things that will require
your attention on this home.
I make these statements whether one chooses to live there forever or use the
property as investment for the foreseeable future. Nothing like having the
charm of a turn of the century home with the most updated efficiencies for
your family's comfort.
Best regards,
Beta
PS: I need to disclose I am a field technician for Renewal by Andersen. You
can visit the site @ www.renewalbyandersen.com. This is a do-it-for-me
program designed to address replacing the windows by trained by Andersen
installers who know best practices.
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Steve Forest
carpenter I have repaired quit a few old windows in the Drake area and
around town. This was time consuming to remove the sash,
repair/replace window weights, reglaze, paint, and sometimes repair
inside mouldings. However, alot of these repaired windows are still in
service up to 10 or more years later. My customers have learned to
live with them, but still wish they had new windows.
I have also replaced alot of windows with the vinyl insert type and
the replacement sash type,from various companies. I like this approach
because it is faster and the window will have better perfomance. And
not all windows are created equal.
Even when these old houses were originally built, the windows were a
large expense.
In my own house circa 1920, My more expensive replacement windows are
still appreciated more than the cheaper ones.. I did a few at a time.
Good Luck getting your head around the cost
Porter, Jack [DCA]
If replacement windows are going to be bought, we do not recommend vinyl windows as they can be cheaply built, can warp or sag after about 15-20 years and their mechanisms seem to break with frequently.
Jack C. Porter
Preservation Consultant
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 E. Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290
p: 515.242.6152 f: 515.282.0502
"Old is the New Green!"
May 2010 is Preservation Month
Christal McAtee
515-669-2025
