I've been thinking about vinyl too, mostly because I'm tired of repainting wood frames every couple years. My neighbor switched to vinyl a while back and swears by it—says it's basically set-and-forget. But I dunno, something about plastic-y windows just feels off...maybe it's just me?
Vinyl's convenient, sure, but honestly it never feels quite as solid as wood. Have you thought about aluminum-clad wood frames? Had mine for years now—no repainting hassle and still looks decent, without that plasticky vibe. Just a thought.
I went with vinyl a few years back, and yeah, it's definitely convenient, but I get what you mean about the plasticky feel. My neighbor has aluminum-clad wood frames, and honestly, they do look pretty sharp... kinda wish I'd considered them earlier.
Vinyl definitely has its perks, but I totally get the appeal of aluminum-clad wood. We just moved into our first home last year and the previous owners had installed aluminum-clad frames in the front rooms. Gotta say, they really do add a nice touch—warmth of wood inside, durability outside, best of both worlds. Still, vinyl's convenience and price point are nothing to sneeze at. Either way, sounds like you've got a solid setup going, don't second-guess yourself too much... hindsight always makes things look different.
Totally agree about aluminum-clad wood frames—they really strike a nice balance. We have vinyl windows in our place, and while they're practical and affordable, they definitely lack that warmth you mentioned. Plus, I've noticed vinyl can warp a bit over time if exposed to intense sun. Aluminum-clad wood seems like it'd hold up better long-term, especially if you're in a climate with big temperature swings. Either way, sounds like you're set... and congrats on the new home, btw!
I've done a couple window glass replacements myself, and honestly, it's doable but kind of a pain. If you're thinking about tackling it, here's the quick rundown:
1. Measure carefully (twice...or three times). Seriously, you don't want to order custom glass only to realize it's off by half an inch.
2. Wear good gloves—glass shards are sneaky little devils.
3. Remove the broken pane carefully, clean out old glazing compound thoroughly, and prep the frame well. Skipping prep is tempting but trust me, it'll bite you later.
4. Install the new pane with glazing points, then apply glazing compound evenly. This part takes patience and practice—my first attempt looked like a kindergarten art project.
5. Let it cure properly before painting or sealing. Don't rush this step.
All that said, if you're just dealing with one cracked pane and you're not into DIY projects, it might be easier (and less stressful) to call a pro. I learned the hard way that sometimes saving a few bucks isn't worth the headache and weekend lost.
Also, totally agree on aluminum-clad wood frames being solid for durability and efficiency. Vinyl's decent, but I've seen firsthand how warping can mess with the seal and efficiency over time—especially in sunny climates. Aluminum-clad wood holds up better and usually gives you better insulation value too. Good luck whichever route you choose...and congrats on the new place!
Totally agree on the measuring part—been there, done that, and ended up with a pane that was just a hair too big. Had to sand down the frame edges for hours...not fun. One thing I'd add is to check your glazing compound carefully before buying. Some brands dry out super fast or are annoyingly sticky to work with. Learned that lesson after wrestling with a batch that felt like chewing gum. Aluminum-clad wood frames are definitely solid, but I've had decent luck with quality vinyl too—depends on the brand and climate, I guess.
Good point on glazing compound—I've struggled with that gummy stuff too, it's a nightmare to smooth out properly. Have you ever tried using silicone caulk instead of traditional glazing putty? I've heard mixed opinions on durability, curious if anyone's had firsthand experience.
"Have you ever tried using silicone caulk instead of traditional glazing putty? I've heard mixed opinions on durability..."
I've actually used silicone caulk on a couple of my windows last summer, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well so far. Way easier to smooth out than glazing compound, that's for sure. But one thing I noticed is that silicone tends to attract dirt and dust more easily, so it can look a bit grubby after a while. Still, for ease of use and decent durability, I'd say it's worth giving it a shot.
I gave silicone a shot on an old shed window a few years back. At first, I was pretty impressed—went on smooth, dried quick, and seemed solid enough. But after about two winters, it started peeling away at the edges and moisture got trapped underneath. Ended up having to redo the whole thing with traditional glazing putty anyway. Silicone's convenient for sure, but if you're looking for something that'll last long-term, glazing putty still wins in my book.