I am wanting to replace the windows on this house, which was built in the 1960's. It has a mix of the original windows, which are a mix of double-hung and casement windows, single pane glass with storm windows. The casement windows are particularly problematic as the mechanisms are old and they no longer close tightly and I can't find all the storm windows that belonged to them.
So I have been looking at different types of windows and I'm totally overwhelmed.
I guess the first question is vinyl or composite? The vinyl is cheaper but doesn't look as nice. Is the difference only cosmetic?
Second question is glass... 2 layers? With gas? Three layers? I have heard that sometimes double paned glass has problems with condensation. How to avoid that?
Next questions ...what to do about these casement windows. I have really gotten to hate the things....clearly they are more trouble than doublehungs. One salesmen said he could replace them with vinyl doublehung windows. Another said that doublehung windows that are taller than they are wide would look silly, and suggested slider windows instead. I'm not sure sliders would look right with the decor; the house itself is sort of colonial on the outside (white siding, black shutters and some brick) and mixes a sort of Americana theme (like wood paneling) and contemporary on the inside, but the furnishings are more a mixture of 1890's style Victorian, and 1920's art noveau. I can make them work with the colonial stuff but don't really mix with that 1960's retro style.
And I'm overwhelmed by all the brands on the market... from Anderson to Sears...
Ideas? Advice?
So I have been looking at different types of windows and I'm totally overwhelmed.
I guess the first question is vinyl or composite? The vinyl is cheaper but doesn't look as nice. Is the difference only cosmetic?
Second question is glass... 2 layers? With gas? Three layers? I have heard that sometimes double paned glass has problems with condensation. How to avoid that?
Next questions ...what to do about these casement windows. I have really gotten to hate the things....clearly they are more trouble than doublehungs. One salesmen said he could replace them with vinyl doublehung windows. Another said that doublehung windows that are taller than they are wide would look silly, and suggested slider windows instead. I'm not sure sliders would look right with the decor; the house itself is sort of colonial on the outside (white siding, black shutters and some brick) and mixes a sort of Americana theme (like wood paneling) and contemporary on the inside, but the furnishings are more a mixture of 1890's style Victorian, and 1920's art noveau. I can make them work with the colonial stuff but don't really mix with that 1960's retro style.
And I'm overwhelmed by all the brands on the market... from Anderson to Sears...
Ideas? Advice?