Window Inserts vs Whole Window Replacement (condo, how much, house)

[sunnyspring]

Anyone with experience please chime in. I have a small house built in 1981 with 8 total double pane, double hung, white vinyl windows. The seals on all windows have gone so all windows fog up and condensation occurs inside at the base of each window. How can I tell if the whole window frame should be replaced, or if window inserts (dual pane glass minus any vinyl) alone will; suffice? If I spend on whole window frames will the comfort level be dramatically different over just have inserts installed? Getting quotes next week on both options, but would love anyone's prior experience. THANK YOU!

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by sunnyspring

Anyone with experience please chime in. I have a small house built in 1981 with 8 total double pane, double hung, white vinyl windows. The seals on all windows have gone so all windows fog up and condensation occurs inside at the base of each window. How can I tell if the whole window frame should be replaced, or if window inserts (dual pane glass minus any vinyl) alone will; suffice? If I spend on whole window frames will the comfort level be dramatically different over just have inserts installed? Getting quotes next week on both options, but would love anyone's prior experience. THANK YOU!

I've replaced the window assemblies in a previous house though the frames were wood. The installer who will be giving you the quote should inspect the frames to see whether defects might have contributed to the seal failure. And, whether the frames are in good enough condition to support the new window assemblies. Obviously, if the seals have failed the window is minimally functional now. You'll notice some improvement in comfort from replacing the damaged windows themselves, but if your walls aren't in good shape or well insulated hard to predict how much. Once the window assemblies are removed they can also check the wall openings for decay or other damage that might need repair before new window assemblies are installed. If there are problems with the frames or the wall, new inserts may not seal well or last very long. The problems will just recur.

[wrightflyer]

Good luck with the quotes! I am going through a similar situation now with a 1995 condo unit with an over-sized sliding glass door having seals that failed and essentially needing replaced. My issue is more bugs, especially those pesky stink bugs and from time-to-time, wasps. I thought about getting the seals repaired but the overall door is the original builder door from 1995 and I figured if it has failed now it probably will fail again sooner than later. Likely it has outlived its lifespan. So I bit the bullet and am replacing the entire door (panes and frame).

I have a good local door and window company recommendation if you want. Let me know and I can PM you the company. They were highly recommended by many people in our condo development. Also have stellar online reviews. But they were pricier than Home Depot.