Windows discussions and local services.
abrown50
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Trimming window openings without wrecking your walls
I hear you on the foam - tried it once in a 1920s place with lath and plaster, and it just pushed the wall out a bit, then started seeping through hairline cracks. Ended up with more patchwork than I bargained for. These...
RE: Sliding vs. double-hung vinyl windows: which install is less of a headache?
Level and square - those two things are what trip folks up on both window types, honestly. I’ve seen double-hungs in old frames where the sashes never quite seal, so you end up fighting drafts forever. Sliders can be a p...
RE: South-Facing Vs. East/West Windows for Winter Warmth - Which Works Better?
I’ve worked on a bunch of ranches and I’ve gotta say, retrofitting overhangs is always trickier than folks expect - sometimes the roofline just doesn’t want to cooperate. Even with decent double-pane, you’re right, the c...
RE: Cold drafts sneaking in? Saw this trick on the news
Magnetic panels are interesting, but I’ve seen a few clients regret the cost - especially if your trim isn’t perfectly flat or square (which, with 1940s windows, is a gamble). They do seal drafts better than plastic, but...
RE: Triple pane windows and the weird trick with argon gas
I get where you're coming from - argon can sound like a bit of a marketing gimmick, especially since you can't see or smell the stuff. But I've seen some older double panes without gas that frost up way more in winter, a...
RE: Does Painting Old Aluminum Window Frames Actually Hold Up Over Time?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had decent luck with a slightly different approach. Here’s the thing: if you use a zinc chromate primer (yeah, the stuff for airplanes), it bonds better than most etchin...
RE: Windows That Adjust Themselves - Worth It?
That lines up with what I’ve seen on jobs lately. The tech is neat, but the price tag’s tough to swallow - especially when you factor in potential repairs down the road. I’ve had a couple clients go for it, and sure, it ...
RE: Dealing with sweaty windows: Which Energy Star brands actually help?
Triple-pane really does make a difference - no argument there. But I’ve seen cases where folks swap to high-end windows and still get sweating if their house traps too much moisture. The plastic kits are decent for draft...
RE: What would you do if your dream window costs way more than you expected?
Mid-range windows can be a smart call, honestly. I see a lot of folks get hung up on the “dream” specs - triple pane, custom shapes, all the bells and whistles - but in reality, the jump in comfort and lower bills often ...
RE: What surprised me about high-end window brands (hint: it's not just the glass)
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve seen folks get caught up in the sales pitch - triple-pane glass, fancy hardware, all that jazz - then get frustrated when the walls start showing little fissures around the new frames....