new windows - need recommendations

Hello all – we need all new windows on our bstone – replacing the aluminum replacements that have been there for decades, it looks like. Think we’re looking at brick to brick because the frames around the existing windows are in such bad shape they’re pulling out of the wall. The problem is that we have lovely original shutters and wood molding around the windows on the inside, If we do brick to brick, will this be destroyed? And any recommendations on who we should get estimates from? Our architect and GC have said Andersen or Pella, but I’ve seen lots of bad reviews and am concerned. Also – wood, fiberglass, clad, other…? Seems like there are an endless variety of options; all get written up as both the best and the worst options ever!  🙂 Thanks in advance!

empathie00

in Doors & Windows 13 years and 10 months ago

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TracyT | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Oh, and we also have original shutters and interior moldings, and none of those were damaged by the brick-to-brick installation. We did replace the original exterior brick molds, as they were badly deteriorated. We had the original ones replicated–really expensive but required in our case because it’s a landmark district. In non-landmarked areas you can go with the standard square brick mold, which looks just fine.

TracyT | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I got brick-to-brick wood-frame windows from Heights Historic Windows. The brand we got was Kolbe, which are a little less expensive than Marvin but similar quality, and the paint is factory-applied and guartanteed for 10 years I think. Incredible difference in energy efficiency–no more drafts, and they look (almost) as nice as the original windows.  Heights Historic Window & Door 45 Main St # 402, Brooklyn, NY (718) 624-3150 ?

wyckoff | 13 years and 10 months ago

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If you do brick to brick with a competent installer, nothing will be destroyed.  We used Historical Windows of NY (aka EZ Tilt).  They did an amazing job, didn’t damage any of the original trim, and were exceptionally dilligent about cleanliness.  They are not cheap, but you get what you pay for.