Windows discussions and local services.
hiking674
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RE: What’s driving the price on custom-sized Pella windows?
The clearest way to test the custom-size premium is to ask each dealer to quote the same opening at the nearest standard size and at the specified custom size, keeping the series, glass, hardware, and installation scope ...
RE: Measuring windows for replacements: what did I do wrong?
I get where you’re coming from - old houses are rarely close to square, and fighting for perfect measurements can be a losing battle. But I’ll say this: if you leave too much room and rely only on foam and caulk, you mig...
RE: Sliding vs. double-hung vinyl windows: which install is less of a headache?
You nailed it - vinyl’s definitely easier than wood, but “maintenance-free” is a bit of a sales pitch. I’ve put in my fair share of both sliders and double-hungs, and honestly, double-hungs are usually more forgiving if ...
RE: Trying to pick between angled and curved windows for living room upgrade
Curved windows really are a different beast. I’ve done a couple for clients, and every time, there’s more fiddling than you’d think - especially once you discover nothing in an old house is square. One job, I remember sp...
RE: Dealing with foggy windows: replace the glass or just reseal?
Honestly, I’ve seen resealing work for a bit, but if the seal’s shot, it’s usually just a bandaid. Swapping out the IGU is cleaner long-term, but I wouldn’t bank on big energy savings unless you’re replacing a bunch at o...
RE: How do you seal your windows - tape, liquid, or old-school metal flashing?
I’ve seen a lot of folks try the blue tape trick, but honestly, it’s hit or miss - especially if your paint’s older or not prepped right. I’m not a fan of the plastic kits mostly because they just don’t last through a ro...
RE: Saw a news piece on folks fixing up old aluminum windows themselves - worth the effort?
Had a job last fall where the homeowner tried to patch up his old aluminum sliders with foam and caulk. Looked fine for a month, then the first rain hit - water everywhere, frame still rattled. Ended up having to pull th...
RE: Where do you even begin with swapping out old windows?
Heat gun’s my go-to unless the trim’s already dust. Ran into a 1920s place last winter - paint was layered on like frosting, but the wood underneath just flaked apart when I tried prying. Sometimes you can save a few pie...
RE: What do you do with old window frames and glass?
Yeah, I’ve had jobs where a frame looked like firewood but turned out solid after a bit of work. I’ll admit, sometimes it’s just not worth the time - especially if you’re dealing with rot or warped wood. But like you sai...
RE: Finally got those dingy window frames looking new again - anyone else have a cleaning win?
I’ve actually seen a few folks try car wax on old aluminum storm windows, but I never bothered myself. One customer swore by it - said it kept the frames looking decent for a couple years, but I always wondered if it jus...