Let's talk vinyl retrofit windows.

11 years ago

Want to change out the old aluminum grid windows from the living and dining rooms. Price to switch out to wood was around $7500 which really shocked me. Now thinking of those vinyl retrofit ones.

Does anyone have experience with these? Some brands better than others? Looking for one that doesn't have those awful wide bands.

Or should I just bite the bullet and spend those big bucks.

Featured Answer

emilyam819

11 years ago

Agree. Look into repairing what you have. If that's not possible, bite the bullet and get wood or wood with aluminum cladding on the outside (both about the same price). Vinyl is hideous, can't be repaired, and doesn't last.

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Comments (9)

User
11 years ago
You might see about getting an estimate for just replacing the glazing, if the trim is in good shape. You won't regret going with high quality windows with 20-yr. guarantees.
pcmom1 thanked User
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greenfish1234
11 years ago
I a
pcmom1
Original Author
11 years ago
The windows I have work fine. Not as energy efficient as newer ones, but I have cellular shades there I can bring down for good insulation, and live in a place without really terrible winters... But it is just the look of those cheap white grids!
pcmom1
Original Author
11 years ago
Emilyam, yes, probably should just do it. I have lived 24 years with windows I hate. Just keep thinking what a nice trip that $7500 would pay for......
greenfish1234
11 years ago
Windows are one of the most important features of your home. Wait until you can afford it, then get wood. What is wrong with the current windows?
pcmom1 thanked greenfish1234
greenfish1234
11 years ago
You will hate vinyl too. You can get them without the grids which helps. Save up for wood, and better yet, consider the ones with real exterior muntins. We are rebuilding our whole house and I lost sleep for days over the added cost of that feature. I thought I was crazy, because driving around, just about everyone has interior grids only. I found this on line in the middle of the night one night and never looked back: http://www.oldhouseguy.com/windows/ I absolutely love my new architect series windows. It is not for everyone, but if the ones you have now are bothering you that much then it sounds like you are better off waiting for what will make you happy. The interesting thing about that site is that it paints window efficiency as largely an industry invented problem, where windows are not the main problem in most homes. This and a tax incentive caused the wholesale destruction of beautiful original windows everywhere, including my historic town hall and library :(
pcmom1 thanked greenfish1234
sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
ugly, bad, do not last. go for wood. good for basement and barns
pcmom1
Original Author
11 years ago
Greenfish, nothing is wrong with the windows. Just that house was built in 1989 and they put in aluminum white grid windows. The rest of the house has wood blinds on the windows and that seems to cover up the uglies pretty well (guess I could do that!).

Problem is, I can afford to replace if I want, I am just very...frugal. Took me years before I would pay to remodel the kitchen. But now so glad I did.

Maybe I can pay someone to shoot out my windows?