new good windows
Can anyone please recommend a reliable company to install new windows in a brownstone? Standard size, would like them to be good quality to block out some noise but not those super noise blocking ones. Thanks
Can anyone please recommend a reliable company to install new windows in a brownstone? Standard size, would like them to be good quality to block out some noise but not those super noise blocking ones. Thanks
You should search the archives under windows – there is a lot of good info there. Historical Windows of NY are excellent. As others have said, everything is made to measure. Make sure you specify sound reducing glass, which means one pane is thicker than standard which blocks sound transmission better than standard double pane. The upgrade is not much in percentage terms, and worth it. Your other big decision will be whether to go with a replacement window which fits into the existing frame, or a full brick to brick replacement. Brick to brick gives you better insulation and more glass. Again, worth it if you have the budget. Whatever you do, stay away from vinyl windows.
Yep, these houses were handcrafted, to an exent not seen today. (Or, sometimes they’ve settled so much that things aren’t exactly in line with where they were when they were built.)
Sometimes I love the misspellings – if I replaced all my windows, I’d think it was a “double pain,” too, anotherposter.
I also hired Dineen for a small job in my place, based on a great renovation I saw they had done on a house tour. Not window related, but they did a really great job. Yes, expensive, but I believe you usually get what you pay for.
I don’t know that there’s such a thing as a “standard size” window in a brownstone. When I had my windows replaced I was surprised to learn that virtually every window was a different width. I found this amazing because my house is part of a development that completed 3/4ths of my block in 1899–1900. Nevertheless each window must have been built individually, on site.
Our contractor installed new windows for us (and did a great job). A friend uses LWP Lucky Window Products for his house, including landmarked windows and highly recommends them. Our contractor purchases the windows from LWP, and I’ve found all the people he does business with to be very reliable. If you’re landmarked, LWP (and a good contractor) can make sure you get the right windows.
Our old windows (very very old) were one pane glass with a screen and a storm. There was no insulation around them and the wood had rotted allowing lots of air in around the windows. The new windows are double pain, a screen, and no storm but the the rooms with them are significantly warmer now and have lost their constant breeze of cold air plus the new windows work wonderfully (Martin windows).
Sean Dineen is our contractor. Many claim their prices are too high, but our experience with them so far has been great. You get what you pay for. We got an estimate in writing and they’ve stuck to it. The only price changes are from changes we’ve made to materials and the crews he’s had here doing various projects have done stellar work so far.
All good quality insulated windows are gas filled. Specify laminated glass if sound transmission is a concern and be sure the side pockets are well sealed. Marvins and Kolbe are good. I install my own so I can’t help with a recommendation.
Thanks. Do you have a particular window that has gas filling in mind? or any particular contractor? I have no experience with new windows and want it to go well.
I would first find out which window you would like to install, then find a contractor to install them.
Good modern double glazed windows with gas filling block out noise and insulate.
I personally would look into tilt & turn windows instead of double hung. The are tighter and easier to clean.