We can be more helpful it you can tell us the manuf. of the windows. It would also be helpful if you can tell us if you live in No. or So. Calif. as there are more considerations than you are aware of at this time.

All manuf. offer windows with low E glass and argon gas filling between the panes. I'm not a real big fan os Swiggle Seal due to problems with it in the past. Of course all manuf. claim they have solved the problem, but only time will tell. There are several different spacers available that have a better history than Swiggle.

It sounds like your existing windows have metal pans (framing) if they do, make sure your estimate includes removal and re-framing. That's going to raise the price considerably, but well worth it in the long term.

In reply to skydogs last posting.... Magic Premium Windows IS THE MANUFACTURER....The brochure states..exclusively manufactured for Pacific Home Remodeling Inc ( The company that would do the work )
I live in southern california...
Does anyone have an opinion if Vinyl replacement windows are an upgrade from my original metal casements from 1947..or are they inferior to what I have now....What would be an upgrade>>>>wood framed windows ??

Magic Premium Windows isn't liste by the NFRC or AAMA either. So my advice remains the same.

Either wood or vinyl windows will definitely be an upgrade to what you have now in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetics. People like each material for different reasons. Comes down to what suits you and how much you have to spend. Wood is going to be more than vinyl.

harriety,
skydawggy says it all. Steel Casements are common in my area in the North East. Converting them to a quality replacement window in vinyl (cheapest) or wood will reduce your energy loss through the glass. Additionally, it will make your home quieter.
Be sure to get Low E Argon gas filled, especially if you only want to do this project once.
Go for it!

All the best,

The Porch Guy

If you are looking to preserve the historic integrity of your home, I would leave the metal casement windows in place. If weatherproofing is your need, then look to only improve that aspect of the windows, ie add storms. To my taste, old homes were designed with a specific type type of windows to create a certain look. To my taste, putting in vinyl will look awful where metal windows used to be. Post your question on some of the old home forums and see what sort of responses you get.

We have double hung windows in our house, built in 1985. They were the cheapest the builder could get away with, and they don't open and close properly. We investigated several options to replace the sashes, leaving the window frames alone because they are in good condition. We didn't like anything we saw in vinyl. They look cheap and they look like retrofits. We selected Marvin replacement sashes. These are wooden sashes that are clad on the outside in white powdercoated aluminum. They are energy star rated with argon gas and special coating on the insides of the two panes to filter out harmful sun rays. Most important to us, they look like they were there originally. You have to have a really expert eye to detect that they are retrofits. Their only drawback, which might not be relevant to you, is that, although they tilt in for cleaning, they are hard to tilt in.

Marvin windows are not available all over the country, but a franchise that has been expanding, Window Gang, offers them. If Marvin casement window replacements suitable for your home are available, I think you should consider them.

HI! We are in central-Cal, south of SF Bay. I am an owner, not a pro. We just switched our windows 4+ years ago. To share some thoughts, it really depends on precisely what you meant by "UPGRADE". I hope the following is helpful and forgive the long-winded post if you know all that already.

If upgrade means comfort and efficiency over architectural concerns, then that leaves longevity. How long do they last? If the plan is to move, you can save by using vinyl now and sell before they must be replaced. If you plan to stay for over 20 years, it may be worth spending more on better longer lasting windows such as fiberglass or aluminum-clad or wood windows. Preferably do it once and never look back.

If upgrade means maintaining and increasing home value, then the windows and doors must be visibly distinctive so that it enhances not just the exterior architecture but also the interior feel. It is questionable if vinyl will be a good choice in this case. Vinyl normally requires lighter colors because of its thermal characteristics. Dark colors may shorten its life span. You will have to research designs of vinyl to see if they can match your home's architectural cues and interior layout.

Wood, clad and fiberglass can provide more flexibility in terms of colors and refined details. Wood can also be stained (interior) to add a sense of warmth to the house.

So defining what "upgrade" means to you will help identify which path to take.

Good luck!

Thanks to everyone for their valuable input !!
I canceled my appointment with the window company....
I definitely want a quality product that will enhance the appearance of my home.....This forum is so very helpful

GO Straight to the Renewal by Andersen store in SO Cal. No make that RUN to the store. THey will have the best price/value ratio of anyone and with the Andersen brand you will have an unbeatable warranty. The windows look like no other on the market and really give great curb appeal!!!!! Good Luck

Magic Premium Windows are made in Canada not the U.S. Thats why they are not AAMA or NFRC rated in the U.S. They are suppose to be good windows that have alot of bells and whistles. If they have the features you want then do your homework and search the internet I couldnt find the website for Magic. Be sure you check out the company and see some of their work and talk to some of their customers before buying. Pacific Home's Better Business Bureau is has 60 inquires. I wish you luck.

Bryan
Door and Window Plus
bryan@doorandwindowplus.com

We have a home that was built in 1952. We elected to NOT go with vinyl replacements for looks and retail vlue. I put in one vinyl replacement and you can see the differences if you know what to look for. We are going with new construction Andersons for our D/H windows but are having much trouble finding sliders to fit our rough frame. They are non-regular sizes.

The website for the Magic Window Company is www.magic-window.com

They are a Canadian company.

They have two factories (ware house) in the US, I beleive. Not sure how that works if they are made in Canada.

There windows are sold by some Dealers under the Magic-Window name and other Dealers use their name on the Line of Magic-Windows.
This makes it quite confusing to match the online models with the independent resellers model #'s.
Contact the magic-window website for dealers near you.

I have been to several retailers and got the sells pitch. They look great to me, but would like to talk with home owners that have had for several years first.

Here is a link that might be useful: Magic Window

An old post, but I will also reiterate the comment about Pacific Home Remodeling BBB rating complaints (see LA office rating). They are bad about returning phone calls. They are, from what I can tell, a high sales pressure place (their sales reps supposedly make a lot of $$$, I saw their job ads).

There are others who have far less BBB complaints that sell the same product. I even saw one that has 0 complaints for the last 3 years (one of those old time companies from 1960). I'm surprised there is a contractor with 0 complaints.