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There are good, high quality vinyl windows out there. Unfortunately, there are A LOT of low quality vinyl windows.
The number 1 installation method on existing wood double hung windows is the 'pocket fit' replacement method. From the exterior the wood stops, (3/4" pieces of wood going around the top and sides), that hold the sashes in. When these stops are removed, the sashes then basically fall out. Then the tracks, usually aluminum, are removed. That leaves a pocket, open to the outside. Inside the interior stop, (the piece of the window frame that your interior trim is nailed to), is left. A new window, either wood or vinyl, is pushed into the pocket from the outside, up against the interior stop. The custom sized new window will be made to have a slight, 1/4" - 3/8" gap around the perimeter. The new window is shimmed, from the outside. It is attached by screwing thru the new frame into the existing frame. The gap is then filled with non expanding foam insulation. Then typically the window is 'wrapped' on the exterior. This is with pieces of either vinyl coated aluminum, or painted aluminum, which are bent on a brake to have the same contour as the existing exterior trim around your window. First the bottom sill is covered with one of these pieces, then the sides are applied overlapping the bottom sill piece. Then the top piece is added, overlapping the side pieces. Caulk is applied exterior, where necessary, and inside, where the new window meets the existing wood frame.
This is the proper method if there is no existing rot on the current window frame. Typically people have rotten sills, or, the bottoms of the side trim. All rot has to be removed prior to using above method. If a large amount of wood has to be removed, it needs to be replaced before replacement and wrapping.
If there is extensive rot the entire existing window frame would need to be removed. This would entail a method of installation that would be the same as when it was newly installed, "Full Frame Replacement." Removing everything inside and out, trim, frame, right down to the rough opening.
1) Most vinyl window companies fail miserably on the repairs that need to be done when rot is involved. They just cover it up, then the rot spreads and now you can't see it.
2) Most vinyl window companies, and many wood window companies, are not experienced on the full frame replacement method.
3) I have seen people spend a lot of money on 'cheap' replacement windows when they were actually better off before.
4) When someone tells you they have a lifetime warranty, ask how long they've been in business. Don't rely on a lifetime warranty when they've been in business for 3 years.
Looking at a really old but classic house that will need about 20 windows replaced. Longer type double hung windows. Wood is generally more expensive?
Wood windows, either all wood or wood clad, are typically more expensive than vinyl windows.
There ARE some vinyl windows more expensive than wood, with just as high quality.
Really, the only difference between a high quality wood window and a high quality vinyl window is the number of options available.
Wood can be painted any color, or stained.
Wood has more grille options ie: true divided light. Though there are vinyl windows with a great looking simulated divided light.
There are good, high quality vinyl windows out there. Unfortunately, there are A LOT of low quality vinyl windows.
Agreed. I did extensive research, for literally months, before I ever made the first call on local companies for quotes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob NC
When someone tells you they have a lifetime warranty, ask how long they've been in business. Don't rely on a lifetime warranty when they've been in business for 3 years.
Looking at a really old but classic house that will need about 20 windows replaced. Longer type double hung windows. Wood is generally more expensive?
If you intend to stay long-term in a classic, vintage home, do it a favor by avoiding vinyl windows and going for the best wood window you can afford, preferably a brand that has a "heritage" collection or whatever they may be calling it. These will have the best reproduction details that will provide the shadow lines and authenticity that an old, classic house calls out for. Vinyl windows will appear "flat and lifeless" from the street.
I live in a neighborhood of homes that are mostly 1920's and 1930's and my own home still has the original 6 over 1 wood windows and storms and they are still doing great 102 years later. The details are fantastic and some glazing contains the old wavy glass. A few homeowners in the neighborhood have replaced their windows with inappropriate and inexpensive vinyl windows and have basically diminished the curb appeal of their homes.
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