Brownstone Window Replacement: A 3-part question
The first major project we are planning on our house (which we just closed after a nearly year-long contract saga)is window replacement. 21 in all, including the extremely tall parlor floor windows. Part 1: How can I find out what would be historically accurate, particularly for the front parlor floor windows? Our block (Clinton Hill)…
The first major project we are planning on our house (which we just closed after a nearly year-long contract saga)is window replacement. 21 in all, including the extremely tall parlor floor windows.
Part 1: How can I find out what would be historically accurate, particularly for the front parlor floor windows? Our block (Clinton Hill) is not currently landmarked, though it is up for review in 2008. Most of the neighboring buildings have 1 on 1 replacement windows of fairly recent vintage, so I haven’t got a good basis for comparison.
Part 2: Any experience with Major Homes or Window City? Found both through Angie’s List, but neither firm appears to be on the radar with the Brownstonerati.
Part 3: Any knowledge/experience with Starmark composite windows? According to the manufacturer’s literature they are more thermally efficient, durable, etc., than any other window on the market.
We’d be grateful for thoughts or advice on any or all of these parts.
I would strongly recommend against US Window Factory. They were installed by the prior owner and except for the screen and glass itself, have not held up well.
Have you pulled a tax photo for your building? (And, if they are the same, your neighbors?)
Also, if you know when your building was (really) built, look up comparables in the landmarks reports for FG and CH, and look at those for proper configuration. Even in the districts, a lot of windows are not original or historically accurate, particularly at the parlor floor (where windows were often shortened for privacy/economy).
As suggested, hiring an architect or preservation professional would help you out.
BTW, does anyone know how to contact airflo? Their website is rather coy–no contact information whatsoever.
Thanks, all, some good info here. I’m not sure what to make of the fact that no one has an opinion on the composite material. I’m not keen to be an early adopter–notwithstanding the supposed lifetime unlimited warranty.
I would recommend Park Slope Glass and Windows on Fourth Avenue.
The Marvins were approx $600 to $700 each from Dykes.
Yes, weathershield. I’ll post when I get home, but price will be from 6 years ago.
Re: Putnamdenizen 9:41 AM:Windowshield=Weathershield, I believe.
Curious how much the Marvins from Dykes cost, as well as the Weathershields, if you don’t mind posting.
Thanks.
We ordered wood frame Marvins from Dykes Lumber. My husband provided the measurements (something that needs to be done very carefully) and they were made to size for all street facing windows except the parlor floor. We hired carpenters to install the Marvins once we painted the outside frames. The parlor windows were custom made, a beautiful job, but the craftsman is just a bit too unreliable to recommend. All windows are 2 over 2, which is historically in keeping with our brownstone.