Marvin Insert Windows?
Hi! We are considering replacing our windows in our CG townhouse. My father is pretty handy and done his own window replacement at home. We are thinking about using the Marvin Ultimate Insert Double Hung Windows. Any thoughts on how complicated a project like this might be? Has anyone ever considered these windows? We are…
Hi! We are considering replacing our windows in our CG townhouse. My father is pretty handy and done his own window replacement at home. We are thinking about using the Marvin Ultimate Insert Double Hung Windows. Any thoughts on how complicated a project like this might be? Has anyone ever considered these windows? We are looking at 15 windows total. House has a brick facade with actual brick underneath. Windows are in pretty tough shape right now. Thanks!
Hello Anne,
Looks has a lot to do with why people will use “sash kits” or replacement windows. Do you want a painted wood window and leave your existing brick-mold exposed or do you want a aluminum clad exterior and capping around the existing brick molding?
If your house is NOT a landmark than I usually will recommend a “full framed”wood interior/clad exterior replacement window, not inserts. You will get all charm and warmth of a wood window on the inside and a maintenance free aluminum clad exterior. “Sash kits” will work good if the existing frame is in really good shape and is level. I have both types on display at my store (9110 5th Ave. BK, NY,) come in with your dad and I can show you the difference.
Or you can e-mail me a picture of the house with approx. size’s I will give you a price on the windows. I sell Trimline windows and Kolbe and Kolbe. Both brand are good and less expensive than Marvin. Kolbe gives a really good warranty on the product. 30 yrs on the exterior clad and if you choose an all wood exterior they factory paint and warranty the paint job for 10 yrs.
OP, its not a problem at all. If the windows are measured properly (Marvin dealers have a “cheat sheet” with guidelines). Ask for one. I can upload if needed.
Each installer may have their tricks but they are very simple to install. Most dealers, if time permits will actually assist you with the first one or two.
The biggest concern is the availability of a “break” which is the machine which is used to bend the capping or flashing. These can be rented for $50-$75 per day. This can be used to form your sill pan, which can collect and disperse any incidental water that may collect in a poor installation.
If one is not available, other workarounds may be available.
Your dealer should be giving this info or offering assistance for installation.
If not, well…
installing your own windows is like making your own trousers. Forget it unless you are a tailor.
Mixed advice here: I have replaced over 50 windows with replacement windows as a homeowner with nary a problem or leak. Also, “professional” installations can be nightmare as contractors can cut corners, too.
If you trust yourself to measure well, insulate the cavities left by the sash weights, keep the frame square during installation, shim properly, caulk well, replace or cover the brickmold as necessary, it is definitely possible to have a quality result with replacement windows, even as a DYIer. Plus, the inevitable disruption to the interior casing, sill, and interior plaster walls should not be underestimated when ripping out the entire frame.
Well organized, you could replace all 15 in one or two weekends yourself with a helper. Figure on complete window replacement including frame being more disruptive and messy.
With replacement style windows, however, you will lose some light as the jamb/frame width will exceed that of the original window. Replacements will never look quite look like the real thing. But the savings can be substantial.
Ironically, I am faced with a similar decision. I have really cheap replacement windows that were poorly installed and made and would love to replace them when the money allows.
Fortunately, I am not in a historic district so I have ample options. And those Marvin Ultimate Inserts look pretty good to me. Let us know where you get a good price.
Good luck.
I wouldn’t recommend those slip-in windows. they are cheap, and you get what you pay for.
If they are not installed perfectly they will leak and not operate properly and be even worse than they ordinarily would be. They won’t last very long either.
If you own a nice rowhouse, get real replacement windows
and get them professionally installed. Save money on something else.
Just check to ensure that DIY window installation won’t void the Marvin warranty.