Decorating & Renovating
Dear Community,

Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.

If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.

Thank you.

Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.

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
image

Re: New windows... possible to get old styles instead of vinyl stuff?

  • Yes. We got a quote for them, but it was too much. About $1500-2000 a window if I remember correctly. Ours were through a local window guy. The big guys wouldnt quote it. 
  • 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/

     

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • imagePamela05:
    Yes. We got a quote for them, but it was too much. About $1500-2000 a window if I remember correctly. Ours were through a local window guy. The big guys wouldnt quote it. 

    what a bummer.  what'd you end up with?

    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
    image
  • imageDomerJenC:

    imagePamela05:
    Yes. We got a quote for them, but it was too much. About $1500-2000 a window if I remember correctly. Ours were through a local window guy. The big guys wouldnt quote it. 

    what a bummer.  what'd you end up with?

    We did aluminum clad pine inserts. They basically smashed down the pulleys and left the weights in the wall. Then put in tracks and the  new windows.  They were a pretty close match (we had half new half old for awhile). The brand was Kolbe.  
  • Although you're looking to replace rather than repair, maybe a restoration specialist can help you out. A quick search for window restoration in Pittsburgh produced a handful of names. Also, if you go through someone who restores, it's possible they may have materials on hand from old windows they recycle for projects like this.
    Matt loves Munkii!!!
  • junojuno member
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker

    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.

    image
  • 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. 

  • kackac member
    Ancient Membership 100 Comments Combo Breaker

    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 

  • SisugalSisugal member
    Eighth Anniversary 10000 Comments 100 Love Its Combo Breaker

    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.

Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards