Honestly, I would NOT want SDL, esp in a vintage home like yours. The whole things seems fishy. I would find another supplier if at all possible.....

It took 7 weeks for the rep to find this out??? I agree that something seems strange. You most definitely WILL notice the difference between simulated and true divided light windows! I can see it in photos posted, and I can see it from a distance in houses in person. Surely there are other outfits that make TDL windows.

I wouldn't get them either. We looked at simulated for our garage...and even for that we chose true divided lights. The simulated look too different for our taste.

Oh, it gets worse.

We paid extra (~$2k total additional) to have the windows made using restoration glass. Late yesterday afternoon we received another call from our window rep saying that he just found out that Weathershield has already completed production of the SDL windows using our restoration glass and they're putting them on a truck to deliver to us early next week.

According to our rep, Weathershiled won't "shove them down our throats". I don't believe that for a minute if they've already completed production.

I'm afraid we made a tactical error that takes away most of our leverage too. At the time we placed our odered, we had the option of paying 50% down or paying in full for a 5% discount. I paid in full. AAARRRGGGHHH.

I can still refuse shipment if they're not what we ordered, can't I? Man oh man, this is a headache!!

You've got to stop the deal and get your glass back. The guy says they won't shove them down your throats, but that sounds exactly like what he/they are trying to do! I'd get my glass and money back and take your business elsewhere.

That is CRAZY. Fight like heck!!!!!!!!!! I agree with Kim 100 percent. The NERVE! SDL is NOTHING like TDL and why on earth would you go through the effort and expense of restoration glass to be accurate and then slap on fake bars???

You can refuse them IF they are not what was ordered. Did you sign the order paperwork? Take a look at the paperwork. That may be your leverage.

Arlosmom -
I do believe something is fishy here - however - I am a huge advocate of architectural detail in homes, esp older ones - We had an entire home reno 2 yrs ago and the GC kept trying to pedal replacement windows - I researched and found a guy that rehabbed all of our 76 yr old double hung windows 6/1 true divided light - mainly because we felt firm on not upsetting the original architecture of the home. Put in new parting strips, new ropes, weighted properly, some repair of chaulking

The kitchen was gutted & we needed to replace windows in there - that portion of the house was added on by PO who put in large aluminum picture windows w/casements. It took quite a bit of research but I found Marvin to be the closest fit to our needs - I also was firm on the true divided but when I saw their version of simulated divided - I was sold - You really do need to be on top of the window with a trained eye to tell the difference -
We have been quite pleased w/them & I'm sure 99% of people could never tell these were not part of the original home. So, I started as a huge skeptic - and am now reformed -

I don't know anything about weathershield - but hope you paid by credit card where you would have leverage in not accepting the order if it is not acceptable to you - Keep a diary of what has transpired - who you spoke with, what was said etc....

At the end of the day, it's your home, and I would not settle for less

Good luck

I talked to my dad tonight, he is an architect specializing in historic renovation, and he said that there are actually a few (very few) SDL mfrs which can truly make them look like TDL but with such greater efficiency. But no idea is weathershield is one of the few.....

FWIW, we had Pozzi (now owned by JeldWen) SDL windows installed. They don't look like TDL, but they look very close and good. Wood muntins inside and out. Replacing 80 y.o. windows that looked good, but were declining in function (we were adding on, so now all windows look the same). Our contractor was quite impressed with them, and he's done a number of similar era houses. May not be for you, but at least worth a look.

Thanks for your encouragement and feedback everyone. I'm always impressed by the genuine and generous support that people offer each other on these forums. I know it makes us better consumers, and our projects definitely benefit from the shared knowledge.

Well, the simulated divided light windows are being delivered Wednesday and we have agreed to look at them (since they're done and all) but I sent an email yesterday to the sales rep re-iterating that we reserve our right to refuse them if we don't like them, and that they are definitely not what we even would have considered ordering. I had our builder, who we love and who has a long working relationship with the window rep, follow up to make sure everyone is on the same page.

We are hoping not to hate the windows. Since they are single glazed, the space between the inside and outside muntins will be minimal. All the muntins are wood, as are the frames. Just to clarify, we did not actually supply the restoration glass to the window manufacturer, we just specified that they use Hollander Restoration glass (which we've been very happy with for a couple of other projects) and we paid the difference in our total window cost.

Also, all of the new windows will be on the back of the house, and none will be visible from the street. We'll have the wood storms made to match the rest of the house (also using restoration glass), so that will help unify old and new as well.

The builder is itching to install the windows, but I'm pretty sure he understands and supports us in whatever we decide. Having to start again from ground zero on brand new custom windows after waiting seven weeks so far for these won't make anybody happy.

Oh well, it is what it is. I'll post a followup once we see what Weathershield sends next week.

Thanks!

I hope the windows look good!

I agree with you that the cost diff to mfg sdl rather than true would be a lot more than $200.

I'd be double checking with the glass company to make sure they actually placed an order for your expensive restoration glass.

When the windows arrive, I would be seriously checking them over before I agreed to settle for them. (and afterall, isn't that what the window salesman is trying to get you to do, and for a considerably less discount than the real differance in price between SDL and TDL) Make sure the window company understands you will be opening the boxes and examining the windows *before* the delivery guy is allowed to leave. Check your contract, or better still, have an attorney read over it so you know what your rights are before they pull into the driveway.

If you decide they're not going to work, may I suggest a local business that still builds windows the old fashioned way? Wewoka Window Works is known nationally for their historical accuracy and their quality workmanship. I've actually stopped in before and asked several questions about the windows at our house, and the Gentlemen working there were knowledgeable, professional and polite in that way only a southern man can be. (Not only was I called "Ma'am", they opened the door for me as I left) No, I absolutely do NOT have any friends or family working for them, and I am not getting paid to endorse them on internet forums. ;^)

Here is a link that might be useful: Wewoka Window Works