Forum Archive: Windows

I was trying to repair the locking clips on the lower sash of one of my 1985-era aluminum frame double pane storm windows, when I stepped away for a few tools, and it fell into the room and the glass crashed into a million tiny pieces. So, I am trying to find a temporary (read: 2 years) replacement.

I think these old drafty type windows are removed by people replacing them all the time and are put to the curb. So, strangely, they seem difficult to find because I guess no one thinks that anyone wants them.

My lower sash is 2 1/2′ X 3 1/2′ (30″ W X 42″ H). I can find no brand name on them anywhere.

Does anyone have one of these or am I searching for a needle in a haystack?

(I am planning a brick-to-brick replacement in a few years and so, in the meantime, I have to make these anachronisms work.)

Thanks, everybody.

I need to install TWO 36×48 casement windows in my kitchen and ONE 32×80 Single Patio Door.

I have narrowed my choices between using Anderson 400 or the Pella ProLine (wood) series.

My kitchen wall is being rebuilt from ground up and the patio door is being converted from an existing window. This is a brick house.

I would love to hear from the “experts” about the longevity and quality of both.

The front windows in our landmarked brownstone were replaced years ago (prior to the creation of the historic district) with windows that don’t match the original configuration. We have a very clear photo from the 1920s showing the original windows, and we’d like to have them replicated. The windows are fairly typical double-hung units, except that the upper sashes originally had over 40 individual lights. We’d like to get true divided lights for the upper sashes (costly, I know), but if we do that, the only way to match the aesthetics of the originals is to us single pane glass. If we use double pane insulated glass, the muntin bars between the panes would have to be almost twice as thick to support the additional weight, and the wood grid would look disproportionately thick compared to the small squares of glass. My question is this: Does the NYC building or energy code require double pane insulated glass, and if so are there landmarks rules that trump the code and permit the installation of new single pane windows designed to match the originals? I can’t seem to find anything helpful online. Thanks.

My family owns two 1840 townhouses in the landmarked West Village of Manhattan and over the course of 20 years we have replaced all of the old windows with new six-over-six wood windows using a company with which we are very happy and heartily recommend: Air-Flo Contracting Corp, a small family-owned and operated business of long standing, located in Brooklyn. Our window replacements have always required approval by the Landmarks Commission and the process has been quite simple: In 2009, when we replaced all the windows of one building, I read the procedural requirements online, paid a fee to Air-Flo to do the paperwork (which was simply for my own convenience–I was GC-ing the renovation and running my own business at the same time– as an application to Landmarks is easy to do). The Landmarks approval arrived just a few weeks after submission–though I am told that is unusually speedy. Our windows were all custom made by Air-Flo. They visited our sites, measured, listened to us carefully, advised us, built, installed and billed us accurately. Owner Gary Nebiol personally visited each site upon completion, and all of his installation men are a pleasure to work with. Every few years we call Air-Flo for a maintenance visit, so we have an ongoing relationship with which I could not be happier. I think many people who have posted queries about window matters would be helped by contacting these folks.

Recently bought my first house (pic attached). It has the original windows from 1926. I want to replace the windows in the front porch AND add a custom window in the peak above the front windows. (I saw this done on another similar house and it looks nice and brings in a lot more light). The custom window would be in the shape of the triangle of the peak — basically replacing the part that has the green stripes now — and would require the inside ceiling to be redone so that it’s vaulted.

Where do I start? Do I need an architect? Can a regular window installer do this for me? Would it require a DOB permit?

Thanks for your help. I’m new to this and this forum is such a great resource!

I want to apply to Landmarks to replace the very old windows of the façade. I want to use Pella Architect Series, the profile is very elegant and matches the ones that originally were there. What is the fastest/safest way to obtain the permit? I am doing something pretty standard and using a window that has already been approved before by Landmarks. Any advise? Thanks! I am concerned that the application will take a lot of time and the windows need 5 weeks to be delivered.

We need to replace the front windows of our brownstone in Cobble Hill on a landmarked block. Windows are 2-over-2 with arched tops. What are the real quality differences (if any) btw. Trimline and Marvin?

Some replacement windows do not stay up Need someone to repair them

Dear all

I wanted to share a positive experience we had with Windows Are We. They replaced all of our windows–landmarked in the front, not in the back using sash kits. They look really good, they did it when they said they would, and cleaned up after themselves. All in all, I would recommend these guys. All in all, a good experience.
Jp