Decorating & Renovating
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New windows... possible to get old styles instead of vinyl stuff?
We are replacing a window in our kitchen w/ a much larger opening that will hold a row of 3 windows.
Our house was built in 1924, and I'd love to put a traditional all-wood double hung window with weights/pulleys in to match the front of the house. But I don't even know where to look to find such a thing, and I have to admit I'm slightly terrified of the potential cost!
Anyone have hints or clues?
Jen & T.J. 6.17.06
BabyBlog *
my chart *
Joseph Henry was born at home on March 9, 2009
Nora Mae was born at home on October 30, 2011
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Re: New windows... possible to get old styles instead of vinyl stuff?
My Chart My Nest Bio
Lurker coming out of hiding. Try Pella Windows, they are based here in IA but are also in PA. They have double hung windows and while they aren't the old-fashioned weights/pulleys they can be customized to at least look similar to the older windows.
http://www.pella.com/windows/explore-window-styles/pella-design-tool.aspx?PCode=ASDHW&StyleID=3&PType=window#/exteriorfinish/
what a bummer. what'd you end up with?
Joseph Henry was born at home on March 9, 2009
Nora Mae was born at home on October 30, 2011
My Chart My Nest Bio
We had replicas made by a local window shop. They are exact down to the pulleys and weights, which the shop salvages from old windows people (stupidly) rip out. The average (we had 8 windows made from a tiny bathroom to a 5'x6') was $800. There were a wide range in prices (up to $1,600 per window), so shop around. A vinyl window will last 15 years. And they are awful for the environment (they also expand and contract in heat/cold, so they will be much less efficient within a few years). A new wood window has a life expectancy of around 50 years. An old growth wood window has a life expectancy of centuries (if properly maintained and not allowed to rot through neglect). For more info, Jane Powell's Bungalow books (Interiors or Exteriors) have some great information and there are a few books I don't own but have heard are great (Working Windows). If you aren't in a historic district, you may have a fight on your hands going with single paned, but I prefer single paned because they are infinitely repairable (by me) and aren't much worse energy-wise when paired with a storm in the winter.
ETA: If I wasn't in a historic district and wasn't willing to go unpermitted, which I would be willing for windows because I feel so strongly about it, I wouldn't consider anything other than wood Marvins. They have some things that seem well regarded by the architect/window contractors we worked with.
Most window lines offer wood windows. I would try to get close to the existing measurements of each part of your exisitng. Measure the stiles and rails and try to find one with simialr dimensions. Historic windows typically have very thin meeting rails. Jeldwen, Weather Sheild, and Lowen have more historic dimensions and are all different price points. There are also wood clad options that make exterior maintainence almost non existent, though you are limited in color choices.
ETA: like PP mentioned, Kolbe is another brand. They make great windows like Lowen.
Somebody at Brookside Lumber in Bethel Park could probably steer you in the right direction. They are super helpful and carry a bunch of brands, including those mentioned above.
Kristen
You can buy a double hung window (minus the weights) in wood (both interior and exterior) or you can get wood interior with vinyl or aluminum exterior. They mimic the look of the old style. They are not cheap. We bought ours from a local mom & pop window store.
ETA: Remember to insulate the cavity left by the weights/pulleys/cords.