Replacement windows

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:16 am

Our 20 year old, builder grade, wood frame windows are showing their age. Any suggestions on replacements? A recent flyer from "Renewal by Anderson" has me thinking...

My masonite sided house will need attention too, should I nurse the current windows until I want to re-side the house? Does that open the door for a new construction window (hopefully more variety and lower prices???). Also, if I got replacement windows and then want to reside the house, will it make the siding job a major hassle.

Anyone recently research installers and/or brands?

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Wed Jun 18, 2014 10:03 am

Scott,
We bought our house 16yrs ago in similar (or worse) condition. 27yr old house; Masonite siding falling off; single-pane, wood-framed windows with storm windows; gutters falling off; wood trim in rough shape; garage doors shot; deck falling down; roof leaking; etc. Wait why did I buy this house? Because 3100sqft on 10 acres in Wake county is hard to come by at reasonable prices.

We did the roof first and repaired all water damage. We then wrote a detailed scope of work for the rest and invited several contractor to quote it. Ultimately, we selected The Aluminum Company of NC and were very happy with their service and workmanship. Their scope included:
Replace the Masonite w/Hardiplank
Replace all 38 windows (vinyl, dual-pane, argon-filled)
Replace all exterior door & garage doors
Replace all wood trim with pvc board or wrap in aluminum
Seamless gutters, down spouts and helmets
Replace porch columns & rails w/Alum & PVC

We used replacement window rather than new construction because even with doing the siding at the same time, they were cheaper. Replacing the entire window unit, would have been more impact inside the house involving the trim around all the windows and the chair rail that deadends at all the windows. We did use new construction doors and had to replace all the interior trim associated with them.

We considered doing the windows separate from the siding - I think it can be done, but I'm glad we did it together. The process was: remove the siding, replace the windows, wrap the exterior window and door trim, install new siding. This sequence allows the aluminum trim wrap to extend behind the new siding providing a much better weather seal.

I don't remember the window brand, I'll have to dig it out of the file. In the nearly 10yrs since the project, we've only had one window seal fail - I haven't looked into a warrantee claim. Also, the Alum Co guarantees you will never have to clean the gutters if installed with the helmets - if they clog, they will send someone out to clean them. I haven't touched the gutters, but did call them after 5yrs when the one at the garage clogged. They came out within a few days and cleaned them all.

Good luck!
Cash

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