old windows- options

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We have some old wooden windows (1951) that probably need to be replaced. There is a little bit of dry rot and wind and hard rain blows through a few of the window seals. Our biggest issue, though, is heat gain -- our windows face West and the hot sun makes the room unbearable in summer.

Will replacing the windows with double paned LowE glass make a significant difference in heat gain? or is replacing just the glass with LowE single pane enough?

What is the best way to get an estimate for windows+install? I've spoken with a few reps from window companies (Renewal by Anderson and Pella) but I feel like I am talking to a car dealer and I know I'm being ripped off. Is there a better way to go about getting estimates and/or finding good people to work with?

Thanks for your help!

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toddinmn

5 years ago

Single panes are a thing if the past and typically will not meet current energy codes. Low-E glass is one of the biggest revolutions in modern window history If not the biggest. Decide on a material type for your windows and your location . This will make it easier to help with your decisions. Cross off both of those from your list .

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Comments (10)

millworkman
5 years ago
Plus 1 to toddinmn advice.
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oberon476
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
agree with millworkman, +1 to todd advice...
eastbay10
5 years ago
Regardless of your window choice, you should use Low-e366 (or an equivalent) to help with the heat gain.

If the rot issue is not too bad, you have your choice between a replacement or block frame/sloped sill install or a tear out. Option 2 is more costly as it also involves more: both interior and exterior work. The advantages among others for this option are: a new state of the art installation (flashing, foam, caulking, removal of dry rotted wood with new, etc.) and you have a chance to enlarge your windows. Usually, there is weight pocket vertically (that is no longer needed) on your old windows that will give you more width and the height can be changed without a great deal of expense. If you like things the way they are but want new, more efficient windows, go the replacement route. Good luck!
Jana Vourgourakis thanked eastbay10
party_music50
5 years ago
Fwiw, if you don’t already have them, curtains and/or blinds will make a huge difference too.
Jana Vourgourakis thanked party_music50
User
5 years ago
Wood windows are much more valuable that today's throw away ones. You would be much better off restoring the windows and adding storm windows. And yes, insulated drapes can help too.
Jana Vourgourakis thanked User
millworkman
5 years ago
1950's wood windows are hardly considered valuable enough to restore especially if they have dry rot. There was nothing special about that vintage wood window.
User
5 years ago
Actually yes, the quality of wood pre-80's was much higher than can be found today. Slow grown, tight grained wood was still harvested then.
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toddinmn
5 years ago
I don’t recall ever replacing a window from the 50’s/60’s because of rotted wood. This Vintage of window was still protected by a storm window and not just a screen. The growth rings are definitely smaller then. What is used today.
Jana Vourgourakis
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for all the advice. I'm tempted to just replace the glass with lowE and fix any rot and leakage issues we find, rather than use replacement windows. I have to say the whole headache of dealing with individual companies and salespeople instead of working with a carpenter has turned me off the replacement window route. (Am I going about this all wrong?)

BTW - the quality fo the wood in this house is MUCH better than anything you can find today. It is all old growth redwood. Can't get that anymore.