Windows discussions and local services.
mhernandez34
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Surprised to Learn Simonton Offers 0% Financing? Here’s What I Found
That’s exactly what tripped me up with a “0%” offer once. The paperwork had so many little fees tucked in, I had to triple-check everything. Local lenders might not have the flashiest rates, but at least it’s all above b...
RE: ONE BRAND FOR ALL YOUR WINDOWS OR MIX AND MATCH? WHAT'S BETTER?
Funny how you don’t really notice those little differences until you live with them day in, day out. I used to think hardware was just a detail, but after swapping out a few windows last year, the mismatched handles star...
RE: Stuck between two window installers - would you go with the cheaper or the more established one?
I ran into this exact dilemma last fall with my 1970s ranch. The smaller company gave me a quote that listed every material and labor hour - super clear, no guessing. The bigger name had a flashier pitch but their estima...
RE: Things I wish I’d known before swapping out my old windows
That’s a great point about the lead paint - Been there myself, and it really does turn a simple project into something much more intense. I’ve always found old wood windows surprisingly solid too, even after years of ne...
RE: Things I wish I’d known before swapping out my old windows
I actually tried reglazing a couple of my old windows, but the lead paint issue definitely complicated things. I had to use a respirator and plastic sheeting everywhere - kind of felt like I was prepping for a biohazard....
RE: Tackling Old Windows: My Weekend Project Went Better Than Expected
I’ve always wondered if we’re all just a bit too quick to reach for caulk when it comes to old windows. I mean, yeah, it’s great for big gaps, but I’ve had more luck with rope caulk in the past - especially for seasonal ...
RE: Salt air and window headaches: is it just me?
That’s been my experience too - anything short of marine-grade just doesn’t last out here. I tried rubber gasket seals a couple years back, thinking they’d be tougher than foam, but honestly, they started to harden and c...
RE: WHAT DID YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE REPLACING YOUR OWN WINDOWS?
Interesting point about shims and squareness - definitely crucial, but I’ve actually had a different issue crop up. On my old 70s ranch, the opening itself wasn’t always square to begin with, so even with careful shimmin...
RE: Choosing between Pella’s double-hung or casement Energy Star windows - anyone have thoughts?
Mixing window types has worked for me too, especially in an older house where nothing’s ever square. I do agree with you on the cleaning point - double-hungs are much easier for upper levels. Those tilt-in sashes are a l...
RE: Trying to pick between energy-efficient and standard windows for that tax break
Interesting point about the insulation making a bigger impact on comfort. I get that, but I wonder if you factored in air leakage from the old windows? Sometimes the drafts are subtle, but over time, they really mess wit...