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December 19, 2005
Wooden (non-landmark) Windows
We're going to be replacing the windows in our brownstone. We're not in a landmarked area, but we'd like nice wooden replacements. Our GC is recommending WeatherShield; they're supposedly about 20% less than Marvin. Are there any good comparisons between the two windows, or other brands we should at?
Comments
Does anyone have feedback on Bonneville windows?
Posted by: Anon at December 19, 2005 4:44 PM
Before you replace, have you considered restoring the windows. Depending, of course, on the condition of the windows, they can be made energy efficient and functional with some simple restoration. I did two of mine, and they work and look beutiful. The old ones have lasted for decades, newer tyes of windows last much less.
Posted by: Yeshwant at December 19, 2005 5:15 PM
Can you offer some advice on how to restore old windows? Or suggest a person who does this kind of work?? Thanks.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 19, 2005 5:33 PM
I have heard good things about Bonneville. They are very attractive, well made and hey they are in Canada so they know the cold!
I never heard of WeatherSheild. Anderson, Bonneville, Pella... yes.
All the companies make replacement windows these days. But if they have never been replaced you may look into doing a full new window incase you have any rot in the old window jamb.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 19, 2005 6:13 PM
try bonneville at modern way lumber on 4th.I got 5 windows of reasonable quality at reasonable price
Posted by: Anonymous at December 19, 2005 6:19 PM
I'm the original questioner. We currently plan on doing full brick-to-brick replacement. I'd love to have a good reference for a window restorer.
Posted by: Tim at December 19, 2005 8:39 PM
There are several places to read up about this. The Old House Journal Talk board has a number of postings with links to members' websites that you can search for. Some have pictures. Below is a technical link. It took me two readings or more to get it all, but it is very comprehensive. Or just google restoring old/ historic windows and you will get a number of hits.
My windows had broken glass, the putty was missing, the part sitting on the sill was rotting, etc. But, all of this can be fixed and then you have a nicely restored antique hanging in your window. And a well restored old window can be as or more energy efficient than some new ones. Besides, the tension spring in the new ones tends to fail, wheras the old ones have been around for 100s of years and they still work really well with periodic maintenance. The problem is that they are often not maintained too well, or painted over several times and tend to stick or rattle. You do need to be a little handy (I wasn't but I had the intentions and it wasn't hard, although it was laborious, but also meditative and relaxing).
Here's a link:
http://www.oldhousejournal.com/notebook/npsbriefs/brief09.shtml
Email me if you have any more questions.
Posted by: Yeshwant at December 20, 2005 7:32 AM
go with the marvin. they are really well made. when i get to doing my arch top windows that's what i plan and i'm an architect.
go for the lowest u value glazing (highest insulation), low e, argon filled, triple glazing. and make sure the installer uses a "1 part" spray in foam sealant. the best way to improve the energy performance of these old houses is the windows and to put 4 inches of polyisocyanurate foam on the roof when you do the roof.
then, of course, when you upgrade your boiler, use a modulating condensing boiler.
cheers!
Posted by: anon at December 20, 2005 7:51 PM
What is a 1-part foam sealant?
Also, is the foam put on top of the roof boards below the roofing material or in the ceiling? What is the commercial name for it? We suggested insulation to the roofer when we did the roof, but he said that was something you put in the ceiling in the joist cavity.
>make sure the installer uses a "1 part" spray >in foam sealant.
>to put 4 inches of polyisocyanurate foam on the >roof when you do the roof
Posted by: Anonymous at December 21, 2005 9:13 AM
We're also replacing our ugly 1970's windows with wood extruded aluminum clad windows (we're non-landmarked) I've had estimates from dealers including Pella, Marvin, and Bonneville. If you're going with Marvin, Bay Ridge Windows are good folks--the estimator was affable and knowledgable but rumor is that installers are rude but get the job done. Pella is way expensive and not worth it. Bonneville is looking pretty darn good and comparable to Marvin
Posted by: Anonymous at December 22, 2005 7:16 AM
Hi and Happy Holidays to everybody,
I am the Pella Windows replacement window specialist for Brooklyn and Queens. I like to consider myself well informed about my competition but I have never heard of Weathershield. If its only selling point is that its 20% less then Marvin then I would say you might be in for a rocky ride. Even though Marvin is my main competition I have to admit that they make a nice window. If the decision was between only these two, for me its a no brainer. If your open to Pella I can create an estimate for you if you want to send me the numbers and I will get you all the information you need.
Just to mention, if anyone tells you that Anderson Windows are replacements, they are lying to you!
Posted by: Jasonlutzpella@aol.com at December 26, 2005 11:31 AM
hey mister window expert, Anderson DOES make replacement windows now.
http://www.renewalbyandersen.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1077824355930&pagename=Renewal/Page/RbAHomePage&c=Page
Posted by: Anonymous at December 28, 2005 9:15 AM
I don't know how old your homes are, but there are many people who are passionate about preserving original wooden windows. Go to www.oldhousejournal.com and do a search among the posts for 'replacing old windows' and you will get several opinions. I recently got the tax photo for my home and I wish that the previous owners had retained the original windows on the parlor floor instead of the awful nonmatching and generic vinyl replacements.
Posted by: Anonymous at January 3, 2006 3:12 PM
Dear Anonymous,
Not sure what the hostility is about but I will send you the invite to go and try and buy Anderson Renewal. Since you were so blunt, I will be also. They are not good windows which is why they are only in limited markets. NYC is not one of them (thank heavens). They are giving them a trial run and then a possible mass distribution. So guess what, Anderson does make a replacement window but it doesn't do anyone in NYC, NY state or New England any good. But if you are still interested I hear there is a sale on them in Amarillo, Texas.
Posted by: jasonlutzpella@aol.com at January 3, 2006 4:50 PM
Yesterday, the guys from EZ-Tilt in Bay Ridge installed new Marvin windows in our front parlor. It took 3 of them the best part of 6 hours so it was a pretty big job. I was impressed by their focus and industry. Time will tell but the windows look great and already it's clear that the heat and sound insulation are far, far better than the worn out aluminum windows they replaced. I really like the team at EZ-Tilt and recommend them highly. Seems important to me to have people who really understand both measuring and installing. You're screwed if either of those jobs is done poorly. They also have a showroom in Manhattan on W. 52nd St. We chose our double-hungs from the Ultimate series. There's more wood visible on the jambs (right term? anyway, the vertical surface the sashes run up and down in) and the vinyl track is relatively narrow (especially compared to the Magnums where it's too wide for my taste). The only frustration is that the vinyl only comes in white and putty. It should also be available in -- at least -- brown and black so that it "disappears" if you're painting the windows a dark color. Btw, we have all mahogany windows in our rear parlor where we decided to splurge in order to match our elaborate mahogany window trim and because the windows are very prominent since there are no shutters. They look sensational but because they are all wood-on-wood with no gussetting, they are very drafty. I plan to investigate having a skilled carpenter add zinc weather-stripping to them.
Posted by: Anon at January 3, 2006 5:35 PM
I researched windows and installers for many months before settling upon Bill and the team at EZ-Tilt. Although my limestone is not landmarked, I purchased Marvin double hungs, Ultimate series (which I'm told are landmark approved). The windows are all wood and I couldn't be happier. In my experience, these are installers and a window product you can trust.
Posted by: Anonymous at January 4, 2006 7:48 PM
I have redone my brownstone windows in Weathershield and they've held up pretty well. They averaged about 700 each, installed my myself and a great Russian carpenter named Max Krasnykov.
Just don't buy the models with the crappy plastic jambs (don't know if you're landmark).
Peter at Modern Way raved about the Bonnevilles, but this was after I'd already chosen.
Posted by: Gian Trotta at January 10, 2006 10:45 PM
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