Windows discussions and local services.
carolbirdwatcher
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RE: How much does an insert replacement reduce the glass area?
I wouldn’t assume the “400 Series” label tells you how much glass you’d lose. Ask for the visible glass dimensions of the actual insert and full-frame units being bid. An insert has to fit within the existing frame, so i...
RE: How did you split up payments for new windows?
That’s a solid way to structure it. I’ve always been wary of contractors who want a big chunk up front - feels like you’re just asking to get pushed to the back of the line if something “unexpected” comes up for them. Wh...
RE: Letting more sun in without major renos - what’s worked for you?
Sheer panels definitely help, but I always end up wondering about the privacy trade-off - especially at night when it feels like the whole street could see in. Tried those “daylight” privacy films once, but honestly, the...
RE: Noise, dust, and drafts: city window upgrades worth it?
I hear you on the inserts. I tried a set in my 1915 bungalow, thinking they’d be a magic fix for the endless street noise and winter drafts. They helped with sound a bit, but the dust still found its way in, and the draf...
RE: How I spotted a shady window installer (and what tipped me off)
I hear you. I used to think I was being a bit much about moisture control - until the year I pulled off some baseboards and found that telltale musty smell. Turns out, the previous owner skipped the vapor barrier “becaus...
RE: Ever had to make a snap decision in a totally unfamiliar situation?
I get where you’re coming from with wanting something you can actually remove later, but sometimes I think “good enough” bites you in the long run. I tried using butyl once on a leaky basement window, figuring it’d be ea...
RE: What do you do with old window frames and glass?
That about sums it up. I fell for it too - thought I’d make a rustic mirror frame out of some old window wood from our 1920s place. In my head, it was going to look all “vintage farmhouse chic.” In reality? The wood was ...
RE: Sticker shock with new vinyl windows - am I missing something?
I hear you on the faux-wood vinyl - some of those finishes just never look quite right, especially if you’re up close or have a real appreciation for old woodwork. But I’ve got to say, after years of fighting with drafty...
RE: Which would you pick: Marvin’s new Elevate windows or Pella’s Architect Reserve?
That fading on the south side - yeah, that’s what made me hesitate on fiberglass. I get the lower maintenance, but I’ve seen a few neighbors’ Elevates start to look patchy after a couple years. My old wood Pellas need ba...
RE: When is a foggy window just weather, and when is it a problem?
Funny thing - my kitchen window started fogging up last fall, and I immediately thought the whole thing was shot. But turns out, it was just a particularly humid week and the condensation was on the outside. Once winter ...