Need help with design of replacement windows

11 years ago

We are ready to replace the old casement non functioning windows of our 1950s ranch style home. Am wanting to maintain as much of the character of our home as possible. Am not really fond of the modern/retro style that many choose to take their ranch home style renovation to. Would like to achieve a more cottage, bungalow look if possible. Because we live in Southwest Florida (Fort Myers), we have to consider the maintenance of windows because of hurricanes, humidity and heat. We are either going with vinyl impact or aluminum impact. Not quite sure which is better for us. My main concern at the present is to decide on a window style, muttin configuration that looks best and most functional. At present, the main window on the front of the house is a large picture window with two flanking casements with divided glass. Am deciding whether to keep the picture window (install a new one of course) and install two casements that would be similar to what we have ... OR ... three windows that are the same. Think we could achieve that with the current rough opening. It could be three single hungs with divided light, single hung with divided light on only top sash (what style is that ... colonial) or picture window with two flanking casements or two flanking single hungs. The other front elevation windows are bedroom windows, that because of the landscape (which we might eliminate so you can see more of the house) are very noticeable. We were thinking of single hungs on those. Does it matter if we mix casements and single hungs if they all have similar muttins. Am also funny about wanting to keep the shape of the divided light similar everywhere ... so to go with our wood front door which has divided lights too. Sorry this is so long but want to give you all of what I am thinking ... lol. After window installation, we will restucco and paint the house. Just had a new shingle roof (GAF Weathered wood) installed which is a brownish-grey (taupe). Would like suggestions on a beautiful paint color that will make our house look fresh and great! Would like the color to contrast with the roof color ... don't like when houses are taupe on roof, and same tone taupe on body of the house. We are open to ideas on exterior accents too, meaning new shutters, lighting, numbers etc... (love ideas on that as well). I'm hoping some architecturally talented readers will comment because I want to get this right! Thanks everyone ... I LOVE this site and love to read all the great ideas shared by you all!. Have a great day!!!!

Featured Answer

cannotfindone

11 years ago

There is an absolutely WONDERFULarticle in the October issue of Consumer Reports about what to look for, etc in replacement windows...really eye opening!

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Comments (35)

Emily Hurley
11 years ago
I think whatever you select is going to be a big improvement over the old windows. It will look much more "finished." (I replaced similar windows at one point too.) :)

I think if it were me, since you have what looks like plantation shutters on the inside, I'd go for three identical plain windows.
Rina Henderson
Original Author
11 years ago
Emily we plan on taking down the old plantation shutters ... What look would look good in that case??
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pvbcpa
11 years ago
We live on coast near St. Augustine. We wanted to modify our nondescript stucco home to more of a contemporary farmhouse look. So we went with the Andersen A-Series and 400 Series double hung and casement hurricane windows. i also recommend the SmartSun package to keep the solar heat gain down. They do a really good job. They are all wood frame, but are covered in vinyl on the exteriors. Aluminum windows would last about 10 years at best here on the coast. Phenomenal engineering. I have had some in now 5 years and they look good as new. Would highly recommend Andersen windows (but believe me they are far from inexpensive!). In your case, the casement windows might be perfect. You can get a wide variety of window muntins from Andersen, even in the casement series.
Your brick would look great if painted a neutral white (Neither too warm or cool) with the weather wood shingles. We are using the GAF weathered wood asphalt shingles too with our Hardie-board board and batten, shingles and lap siding exterior painted with SW Alabaster (7008). Take a look at that and good luck with the renovation.
PRO
KMAC Design
11 years ago
You should get the casements in back, keep with similar configuration, but replace inside shutters with drapes and sheers. Pale gray paint with black accents, bright door.
Judith Schaer
11 years ago
Going through simiar issue wth my historic ny town board. Changing clunky 40 year old bow wth 4 devided light casements. Love anderson 400.
Peggy Tupper
11 years ago
You state that the current windows are non-operational. If your current windows do not open, do you need your new windows to do so. Fixed windows (non-operating) are much less expensive than operating ones and subjects such as casement vs double hung become irrelevant. I would go with 3 fixed windows with faux muntin bars.
ryjohnsen
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Please read the Old House Guy's thoughts on historic windows, linked here: http://www.oldhouseguy.com/windows/ That one page alone is chock-full of information on restoring or replacing windows. You must thoroughly understand the design features and become your own expert.

Also, here's architect Bob Borson's take on fake shutters, or as he likes to call them, "shudders": http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

Lastly, I hope you don't plan to stucco over the bricks. I also hate to paint over brick, but since your bricks are already white, I think a clean white color for both the bricks and stucco would unify the house. Bring in color through accents, like proper replacement shutters, the front door, etc. Good luck!
kathyjohnstonkathy
11 years ago
On my brick front ranch I used Marvin double hung windows. The bottom pain is plain glass and the top pane has two verticals dividers making three vertical rectangles out of the top pane. I just wanted something really different from the windows everyone else in the neighborhood has. I wasn't brave enough to do them in red or green, which were featured in the show room. But I'm hoping you are! Be adventurous!
Audrey Yun
11 years ago
Bay window. Paint the exterior of the house 1 color to make it cohesive
PRO
SEFAC
11 years ago
What throws everything off is the picture window. It does not fit into the architectural style of the home. I would go back to your idea of three / four equally sized casement units with either true divided lite or attached muntin bars. The visual purpose of the divided lite is to continue the horizontal lines established by the brick work and window sill.
grapenutjoe
11 years ago
Im no architect but id go for the modern contemporary look, black metal and glass, ref. houzz featured house/article:
http://houzz.com/ideabooks/31219744.

Also check out Madonna's hollywood mansion, she painted lines on her brick exterior and it looks amazing. You could even just do that to your chimney and it would look pretty cool.

Good luck!
PRO
Door Store and Windows
11 years ago
If you would like to maintain the look of your historic windows, but replace them with a workable, low-maintenance option, we suggest that you look into Marvin StormPlus. They are beautiful, impact resistant and come in a variety of options including a clad product that is very low maintenance. windows. http://www.marvin.com/stormplus/?view=products-and-options

We have achieved fantastic results using Marvin Windows in historic homes in our area. Their design options are fantastic. Add custom grilles to your replacement windows, and almost any look can be achieved. Here are a few examples of replacement windows in historic homes that we have worked on along with a few links to case studies to help with ideas.

http://doorstoreandwindows.com/case-studies/case-study-uncovering-a-classic/

http://doorstoreandwindows.com/case-studies/case-study-architectural-accuracy/

http://doorstoreandwindows.com/case-studies/case-study-ranch-revival/
Naomi Kropp
11 years ago
I always suggest casement windows if you are able to afford them. Their outswing design makes them naturally more airtight then a hung window which has channels that air can move through. If you like the look of a single hung with grids in the top half only (cottage or craftsman style) most mfg' s make a divided casement sometimes called a colonial casement which gives the same look. I think I would look into a less busy grid pattern or no grid.
Naomi Kropp
11 years ago
your house has a mission style which lend s itself well to a "cross" grid pattern or a "top row" grid pattern.
Alyson Sharron
11 years ago
We recently replaced windows in our brick 1950s home. When we bought the house, the previous owner had replaced the original windows with double-pane vinyl windows. They weren't that old but they leaked. Replacing windows in a brick house can be a challenge - especially when you're susceptible to severe weather (we're a block off the water so we get blasted with rain and southern + western winds). We went with Loewen aluminum-clad wood windows (powder-coated aluminum on the exterior - wood on the interior). Marvin also makes a great window that's similar. Our contractor used a wet-flashing technique in addition to conventional flashing and built a 2x4 "frame" into the window rough opening to ensure it was adequately flashed (the original and vinyl replacement windows went to the edge of the brick). I highly recommend you research installation techniques to ensure your replacement windows in your brick home keep you dry. Good luck with your project!
Rina Henderson thanked Alyson Sharron
Eve Marshall
11 years ago
I would invest in tripple pane Windows. Remember, you get what you pay for. Window companies will continue to make cheap Windows if people keep buying cheap Windows. Look at a more larger pane and have the inserts for paned ones. Then have blinds inside the Windows for easy cleaning. Good luck.
Rina Henderson
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Eve ... When you say "larger panes" are you meaning no mutins? Also what do you mean about the "inserts."
Rina Henderson
Original Author
11 years ago
We live in southwest Florida where it is hot and humid and susceptible to high winds from hurricanes ... By law we are required to install impact glass but don't know which is better for replacement in an older home ... Vinyl or aluminum ... Have had bids that suggested both which leaves us confused
jillybeansisme
11 years ago
Vinyl, in my opinion; however, I'm using Anderson fiberglass (it was less expensive than Millgard fiberglass)
Kris G
11 years ago
Take into consideration the view out your window. If it's gorgeous then you might want a bay or picture window, if not then casement windows with grills on the top half might be nice. I have a brick that also seems to have orange and purple shades. A nice gray worked for my shutters. Your front door could be in the blue or green range but brightly southern :)if orange is your favorite color paint that on your door with terra cotta toned planters that match the brick. I like the drape and sheer suggestion too.
Marie Alesi Caruana
11 years ago
After 19 years of Andersen windows and an atrium door, the casement windows are still wonderful but the door started to fail (glass showed "rainbow" effect due to air getting in between the glass). I called Andersen and explained the problem; believe it or not, they sent me brand new doors at no cost. My doors were just under the 20 year guarantee. Go with Andersen casements but I would eliminate the picture window and install useful casements throughout.
Bishakha Ghosh
11 years ago
Let me first tell you that I'm just an amateur.
Do you want to keep the window size intact? Then if you go for narrow panes that fold up on two sides then it will actually give you a feeling of space and airiness. You might decide on decorative grill for the purpose of security. You may also opt for sliding windows.
On the other hand if you want the interior to be cool and dark, you may build another wall (kind of a false wall) in the middle of the window space, about 10-12 inches on the outside so that it covers about 2/3 of the space in the middle. Keep shuttered wooden windows on both sides that will slide in. The gap between the walls need not be closed. Air and light will seep in from both the sides of the wall while keeping out the heat and glare of sun.
PRO
Stanek Windows
11 years ago
Here are a few more ideas from Stanek Windows. You could go with a Bay or Bow or casements.
PRO
Paint Creek
11 years ago
This could be a stunning opportunity. Make the most of what you already have to work with. Keep the Mission look of the house going with your window style selection and enhance the look with a subdued earthy shade of paint on that brick.
Rina Henderson thanked Paint Creek
Rina Henderson
Original Author
11 years ago
Paint Creek.... thank you for your comment. Can you explain what you mean when saying make the most of what you have to work with. Also, what type of window goes with the mission style in your opinion. Should the brick be an accent color from the rest of the house>>
jergens1211
11 years ago
1/4-1/2-1/4 oc-fc-oc easy peasypimp them with grilles
Rina Henderson thanked jergens1211
Rina Henderson
Original Author
11 years ago
what do you mean by 1/4 1/2 1/4??
PRO
Paint Creek
11 years ago
In my view, the brick adds interest and gives a mission accent to the home, setting it apart architecturally. That adds charm and you should make the most of that element. Give the entry cohesiveness with new mission lighting, a new door in the mission style and the brick color should be lighter the the body of the rest of the house but the colors muted or muddy. For a true mission look, I think only the top row of the casement window would have divided light using a slightly longer rectangle than one would see on colonial style window that has all divided panes. I also would advise to be conservative with the price point on the windows, door and lighting so you can make all the improvements rather than sinking a lot of money in your project and not be able to bring it to a close quickly. Jeldwen contractor grade windows from Home Depot or similar is just fine and practical.
Marly
11 years ago
Have the old ones repaired, not replaced. Then add trim on the exterior of the house.
PRO
Paint Creek
11 years ago
So often the repair costs 2/3 the cost of replacement an you still have the inefficient windows?
jergens1211
11 years ago
Careful paint, there's a gaggle of old ladies in here that say a fully restored single pane window is more efficient than a triple glazed fibreglass full frame (to stud) new window,properly insulated with low expansion foam.... I usually find gaps I can fit my hand through the frame and stud,but these ppl think otherwise.
jergens1211
11 years ago
Rina 1/4operating casement ,or single hung1/2 fixed casement or fixed picture 1/4 op csmt or sing hung. By percentage.
PRO
Paint Creek
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
This is an example of what I see for an inexpensive replacement Arts and Crafts JeldWen contractor grade window for this project.
PRO
Paint Creek
11 years ago
The photo isn't loading but this is the link: http://www.jeld-wen.com/catalog/windows/builders/vinyl/bow