Windows discussions and local services.
markl63
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RE: Stuck between simple trim and farmhouse-style frames for my windows
Wide, flat trim is a good middle ground: it can give a substantial farmhouse feel without grooves that collect dust. Two details are easy to overlook: - Make sure the casing doesn’t crowd the window handle, latch, or b...
RE: Getting new windows in without the headaches: my step-by-step
That’s a good point about the corners - seen a couple neighbors run into issues where the cladding wasn’t sealed tight, and it turned into a mess. For anyone going wood-clad, I’d say: before you even start, check that th...
RE: Feeling stuck between aluminum and vinyl windows - regrets, anyone?
I’ve been down this road with my 1920s place. Here’s how I look at it: if you want low maintenance, vinyl’s hard to beat, but you’re right about the risk of warping - especially with the cheaper stuff. I had a couple of ...
RE: How I spotted a shady window installer (and what tipped me off)
I get where you’re coming from - sometimes, with old brick, “proper” flashing just isn’t an option. I’ve had to rely on good caulk and a sloped sill myself. That said, I always check for gaps after a few months. Even hea...
RE: Keeping Windows in Good Shape - What Actually Works Long-Term?
I’ve tried those window films a couple winters back - honestly, they help a little, but they’re kind of fiddly to get right. If you don’t seal every edge, you’ll still feel the draft. Magnetic panels sound neat, but for ...
RE: WHAT DID YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE REPLACING YOUR OWN WINDOWS?
LEVEL VS. LOOKS - WINDOW INSTALLATION IN AN OLD HOUSE I ran into the same thing with my ‘67 ranch - nothing is square in this place. When I put in new windows last spring, I started by obsessing over getting everything ...
RE: If you had to pick: cordless blinds or shades for a house with kids and pets?
We put cordless in the playroom and kitchen for the same reason - way safer with little ones and pets running around. But I swear, I’m always wiping off sticky fingerprints or random smudges. The dog once managed to nose...
RE: Why is taking out old windows such a pain?
I get what you mean about the dust - pulling out old windows is messy, no way around it. But I’ve found if you tape up plastic sheets around the work area before you start, you can trap a lot of that debris and keep clea...
RE: Can skylights and patio doors count for those energy tax credits?
Yeah, there’s definitely some fine print to watch for. I swapped out my old patio door last year and figured it’d be straightforward, but not every brand or model qualifies. You have to check if it meets the ENERGY STAR ...
RE: Easy ways to keep your windows from aging too fast
Couldn’t agree more on seals making the biggest difference, especially with older windows. I tackled ours a couple years back - Victorian sash style, so not exactly airtight to begin with. Here’s what worked for me, step...