Window Decision Time

11 years ago

Hi all,

First, let me thank all of you for the
information on this page. I was just talking with a buddy about this last night
and trying to wade through the quagmire of windows creates a sort of ‘analysis
paralysis’ which he and I are both stuck in right now! Long story short I have
a new-to-me Wisconsin foreclosure that has fifty-three 20-year-old mostly
rotten-to-the-core wood Semco casement and picture windows. (pic below). I hate
wood and never want to paint it again and I don’t see enough of an advantage in
fiberglass to go with it. About 80% of my interior trim is white.

(obviously that 9-window array would be pictures/casements)

I’ve had a few window quotes and I’m
getting ready to pull the trigger when my wife comes up with “I think I might
want double hung windows!” She has a friend who is building and can’t wait to
get rid of her casements for reasons that, to be honest with you, I hadn't
totally thought about until just then. They are:

a. Tired of whacking the blinds on the
window locks

b. Failed moving parts, and

c. Internal screens. Every time she closes
windows bugs get stuck in between the
glass/screen

Soooo, to keep this relatively short here
are my questions:

1. Would double-hungs totally
change the look of this place to the point it would look stupid? It was
obviously designed for casements but houses in my neighborhood have both.

2. I’m about 50/50 on grids vs. no grids. I think all we agree on right now is that we like
the look of grids from the outside but dislike them from the inside. Maybe even
what seems to be the trendy double hung ‘grids on top / none on bottom’? What
say you? (it had grids originally)

3. I'm not dead set on Okna's but I do like them. Estimates have been for 700’s w/ deluxe
glass. Would the double-hung 800’s gain me any advantage in cost and/or
performance? I’d even consider 500’s maybe if I thought I could live with the
cocoa interior finish against some natural wood.

Thanks in advance. You guys see a million of
these projects so I value your opinions. (B.E., we need to talk again soon)

Featured Answer

User

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Let me be the first to say you have a beautiful home. You can certainly go the double hung route, its not a tudor or anything. So no, it wont look stupid.

Depending on the width, maybe a few of those twin casements can be converted to one double hung which would be a money saver.

The large shaped window in the back would be best kept in its current format.

Grids would also look fine with your home( style). Its really personal preference. You may want to drive through various neighborhoods and get a sense as to what style of windows some similar homes may have installed.

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Comments (16)

PRO
Ultra Windows
11 years ago
Personally, I disagree. The house was designed with a certain look and that is casements. Double hungs just wouldn't look as good.

I have casements in my house and yes the bugs do get trapped between the screen and sash and yes it's annoying. However, casements also seal the tightest and, in your situation, look the best. With today's nesting handles, the blind issue isn't as big of a problem generally.
Chris thanked Ultra Windows
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PRO
Uneeda Home Improvement Co., Inc
11 years ago
I
agree with Ultra regarding appearance, I would not introduce
double hung windows.

Also another thing to consider is that your current bedroom windows
are sized to meet the egress code if you change to double hung windows you may
not have your required 5.7 sq. ft.
Chris thanked Uneeda Home Improvement Co., Inc
millworkman
11 years ago
I agree as well, double hungs would not look appropriate.
Chris thanked millworkman
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Chris

Dont let these guys scare you. You asked if double hungs would look stupid, they would not. As i mentioned, drive through a comparable neighborhood and see what some other homes similar to your style have.

Sometimes contractors choose the pre existing style because they are afraid to be open minded and use some artistic imagination. Some can be too lazy to help you with alternatives.

Chris, take your time. I will be here to help you in any way i can. Ive been at this for almost 35 years and really enjoy helping the folks.
Chris thanked User
texasgal47
11 years ago
I'm just a homeowner so take my opinion for what it's worth. Your casements look fabulous. Double hungs would look inappropriate to your style home. Also, they would make your home exterior look busy.
Chris thanked texasgal47
User
11 years ago
Texasgal47 gets an "A" for effort. Here you go Chris.
Chris
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you everyone for the feedback. Uneeda, good thought on the 5.7 limitation. Since I haven't officially gone down the double-hung road I wasn't aware of that and it's probably a showstopper. At least two bedrooms in particular have twin casements in about a 54x44 opening so I believe that would be an impossibility for double-hung(s). And texasgal47, your 'just a homeowner' opinion carries just as much weight as anyone else's. Much obliged.
Chris
Original Author
11 years ago
<< I like those
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I had a feeling you would like those pictures Chris. Any other concerns, we are here for you.
bpchiil
11 years ago
Just another homeowner weigh in. I believe you will lose on two accounts with doublehungs - architecturally and comfort level. The lines of the house truly support the current casements, especially with the large window in the rear of the home. Casements will provide a much better seal than a double hung, which will mitigate any air infiltration. As a homeowner that lives in the cold Midwest, such as yourself, I would personally stay with casements.

BTW - nice pick up on a foreclosure!
millworkman
11 years ago
Well put oberon was going to post about the same thing. Double hungs in those existing openings would be very out of proportion either a very narrow 2-wides and or very wide singles in my opinion.
Chris thanked millworkman
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
11 years ago
Add me to the camp that thinks the Double Hungs are size or architecturally accurate. Casements look much better in my opinion. That home, with its layout and shapes, is a blend of traditional and contemporary. That being the case, I prefer the casement look.
Chris thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
Chris
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi all. Just an update from me on the final decision and after what seemed like an eternal research process today I signed the paperwork for Okna windows. 49 of them as a matter of fact which will include everything but the half-rounds and the 2 basements. They will be 700 series casements that include woodgrain, white, and stainable interiors and I'm very excited to be working with Homesealed Exteriors, LLC out of Milwaukee for the project. Thanks again for all of the opinions and I'll try to come back with some pictures of the finished product.
bpchiil
11 years ago
You have won on two counts....window AND contractor.
User
11 years ago
+1

Great window and great company.