Steel Casement Window Replacement
We’ve just bought into a brownstone on Henry St in Brooklyn Heights. I asked at the brief initial co-op interview if there had been discussions about replacing the single pane (and rapidly aging) steel casement windows facing the street. Indications that people had considered it but no quotes had been obtained etc etc. After taking…
We’ve just bought into a brownstone on Henry St in Brooklyn Heights.
I asked at the brief initial co-op interview if there had been discussions about replacing the single pane (and rapidly aging) steel casement windows facing the street.
Indications that people had considered it but no quotes had been obtained etc etc.
After taking possesion of the property on the weekend and having our first real unhurried inspection of the property with an agent hovering (gulp lots of DIY projects in my future…), it’s become apparent that these windows really need replacing now before we move in.
Does anyone have any suggestions for replacement – do you know of any local brownstones that have had these replaced that I might check out from the street view.
If you have had your own replaced – how big a job is it? does it require external scaffolding or can it be replaced from internal access only?
For those of you in a landmark area…. whats the hoops you needed to jump through?
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions,
Cheers,
Dean
Anyone who has steel casement or double-hung windows that have been removed and would be interested in selling them, I am interested.
We may also be able to arrange the removal of the windows from your building if the job conditions allow.
Please contact me to discuss further.
John Barr
Steel Window Repair
info@steelwindowrepair.com
302-478-7400
Quick update – had a really interesting chat with LPC;
– The process is extremly stright forward
– Yes it is possible to replace 1 floor only (with the anticpation that when funds permit matching windows will be used).
I wont use names yet but through my own web searching I have two vendors coming to the site on Thursday to provide more details and provide quaotation info.
Cheers,
Dean
I really just need some people I can call for quotes – not planning on doing it myself etc, lol just need to know the bottom line.
Cheers,
Dean
I think that Fine Homebuilding ran an article a few years back with a rather detailed description of a contractor who rebuilt steel casement windows for a large building complex. It might be worth checking out, he had some really good evaluation tips on whether to tear out and start over, or rehab the existing windows. I think they replaced the panes with double panes as well, even though any window you put in is going to be fairly inefficient with regards to energy savings, that’s just the way windows are.
lol may just be my young naivity but to the comment about repair rather than replace – are you kidding…I cant belive that single pane glass is even legal in this time of a ‘green/conservation movement’.
I’m surprised they ar pushing for triple glazing in NY by now.
How much money must this be wasting every year in excess heating and cooling.
Spoke with the LPC – yes it is ok for single floor of windows to be replaced. So if the rest of the co-op doesn’t want to spend the money thats cool we’ll fund it until they have the money to replace the other windows.
Obviously we are going to retain the same style etc but just have proper air sealing and double glazing.
Can anyone reccomend some actual vendors?
Cheers,
Dean
With a brownstone coop (few units) you really need to have complete agreement of all owners in undertaking a capital expenditure such as new windows (you cannot afford not to). Does the cooperative have sufficient reserves to cover the cost? If not, you will need to finance through a special assessment to all shareholders or a refi or secondary mortage (if you have an underlying mortgage and the lendor will allow). Then, you should find an architect that is experienced with landmarked buildings to help you select the windows, get approval and hire a contractor. At best, it will be a year-long project.
Even if you get your board on board (sorry) you’ll find the lead times for new steel casement windows to be very lengthy, and their manufacture expensive.
I’d look seriously in seeing if they couldn’t be repaired.
Meant to add: you can also recruit your fellow shareholders – get pictures of their problem windows. (Of course, you’ll need to gauge receptiveness: you want to be the activist new neighbor interested in the welfare of the building, not that pushy newcomer!)
What BH76 said. I’d start attending board meetings, bring up the window problem and see how aggressively the issue is being pursued by the board. If it’s not, time for good old fashioned co-op politics: build alliances with members and the managing agent to try and get your issue pushed along.
If the window leaks during rain, you’ll have a better case to push through because of the potential for long-term damage to the casement, floor and your downstairs neighbor’s ceiling. Take pictures.
If the problem is air leakage and/or poor noise insulation, check out Citiquiet windows (www.citiquiet.com). They make a soundproofing window that fits into your existing window cut-out on the inside of your current window. It would not need Landmarks or even board approval for you to put in, as it’s not visible from the outside.