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A decorative, arch/circle-top stationery window (with grills between the panes) in my home needs to be replaced because the seal has failed and water drip lines and condensation are clearly visible through the glass panes. The window is on the second story of a two-story foyer; sill is approximately 14 feet from the floor. I'm clueless, but figure it has to be replaced from the inside because the exterior is banded by a thick swath of decorative wood molding. The window is 36" wide, probably 54" or so high.
How is the window replacement physically performed? Do the installers use scaffolding, ladders, something else? I can't wrap my head around the process by which the window is replaced.
Never mind that I haven't begun what will be the arduous task of finding a reputable, affordable window replacement company and the appropriate window itself.
Last edited by Iggier; 11-08-2011 at 03:01 PM..
Reason: To correct title
Most larger fixed residential windows are not available w/o the installation flanges on the outside -- those flanges are what physically secure the window to the home. If you have siding most installers will need to remove some of it. It your home is brick the installation of a full replacement window may need even more work.
I would try to contact the manufacturer of the existing window. Many manufacturers will send a rep out to determine if a current "sealed unit" can replace the failed unit in your window assembly. Typicall the "sealed unit" is the glass, main visible frame and internal spaces that can be secured into the existing structural unit.
Most glass shops are also capable of determining if the sealed unit is field replaceable -- think of not just as failed weather seal type situation, but if lil' Bobby's baseball shattered the thing. You want not get a "replacement window" for that, you'd have the busted glass replaced...
I would NOT contact any of the firms that try to con people into spending spending big bucks for cheap vinyl windows that are a rip off. You will likely get a product VASTLY inferior to what your homes was built with.
Any good glass shop will have portable planks and such to attach to ladder to safely hoist and install / repair any windows.
Thanks for the info Chet. I am all for reglazing if that is a possibility. The window in question is on the front of the home - a 16 or so year old townhome which is brick-faced. I'd say it's impossible to determine the original window manufacturer, and it would have been builder grade junk anyway. I can see how a full replacement window would be nearly impossible in my situation, but there are some terrific glass shops here so I'll start making some calls.
I agree with using a reputable glass shop. They're used to this kind of work. Be sure to let them know where the window is (i.e., 2d floor, etc.) so they can give you a proper estimate. Good luck!
What you "probably" have is a sash set. The jamb is mounted within the wall and the sash is mounted to the jamb.
The sash frame would be the wood that is in direct contact with the glass- as you go to toward the jamb there will be a small ogee type trim. This is what holds the sash in place; it's called, 'window stop' or just 'stop'. Removing this stop and cutting the caulk at the sash and jamb on the exterior will allow removal of the sash. Depending on the size it usually takes two people to install/remove the sash. one on each side of the sash on an extension ladder.
The other, more less probable is a "direct set" sash. This is when the glass is directly set into the jamb. It can still be removed and replaced but, by the time you've gone through the motions you could have bought a new sash set and installed it for almost the same money.
Posted some pics...the interior was dark, sorry! Hopefully this will help the gurus help me. You have to futz around with Google Picasa to see the images sufficiently large. Much thanks.
HOnestly, having tried historically-accurate glazing on older windows, I don't recommend it. I do recommend contacting any local Marvin window center. I used Marvin windows on my historic home, and they can make a custom window to fit pretty much anything.
They're used to replacing period windows, and you don't have to worry about the "how." Putting in windows is complicated, which is why there are professionals. You can get a better window (better insulation, more durable etc) that looks exactly like your old window minus the layers of paint as I had on mine.
Unless you have the time and money to do a restoration project... I would get a professional to replace the window.
ugh, thermal pane windows are such a pain in the neck..
why cant they make the seals to last forever. I have replaced double hung windows twice in 15 years.......ugh.....
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