Replacing windows... yes really

[morlock]

Good evening,
My wife and I purchased a brick federal/greek revival style home from 1844 in the central missouri area that we're restoring about 6 months ago. The house had been unlived in for 4-6 years and needs a ton of tlc. I have most of my plan set out before me except for the windows. The main ones in the house now look like they're 40-50's era and need to come out. They are clad in aluminum and are falling apart. Since they're not original, I don't feel that attached to them and they stick out like a sore thumb. There are some really old looking 9 over 6 windows in the back that must be original that I'd like to mimic. Does anyone have a suggestion for someone who makes a wood double hung that would look original and not cost me my first born?

[jade mortimer]

tlc lends itself to restoring the original 9 over 6 windows...replicating the others is best done by a small(ish) local business...take a look here: http://restorationandbuildingservices.c ... token=K980

your subject heading tells me that you have read previous posts and are familiar with the majority's passion on this topic...if you want help with restoring your windows, you'll get a lot of good useful information and support...i've listed the website above for information regarding replacement of your replacements.....

good luck......
.....jade

[lupinfarm]

I couldnt agree more with Jade...I am jealous that you still have the original windows. My house had suffered from
the plague of the 1990s renovation craze and lost all but one of the original windows. I am having a hard time convincing my hubby that wood is the way to go since we dont have them now. Restoration is the best way to go, there is just no substitute for the " Real McCoy". Good luck with your restoration and post those pictures, we can never look at to many.

[morlock]

I guess I wasn't that clear in my original post. I have 2 original windows that I'm keeping. Those are the 9 over 6's and I want to restore them. The rest of the 14 windows in the house are 50's and hideous. They stick out like sore thumbs. I'd love to put up re-pros of that style everywhere else, but I imagine that would cost an insane amount. Bearing this in mind, any suggestions? I'm a bit at a loss.

[Don M]

As Jade suggested look for a good small wood working shop in your area. Take pictures of your original 9 over 6 windows and measurements of the sash you want to replace to them & get estimates. It is probably best to have them come over to see first hand what you want done & go from there.

[Detroiter]

All of my windows were shot, but I only needed (rather large) double hungs, nothing fancy. I found a small, local woodworking business that fabricated new ones. They weren't all that much more expensive than vinyl replacements, but they were definitely less than national fabricators who make similar models.

[catya]

OP- think in terms of replacing the sashes only and repairing/restoring the original openings. Is the opening still good with parting stop & all the pieces intact? Still original trim & window sills intact? If its just the sashes you need, you may be amazed how economical that is when done by a local guy - remember he/she is not paying for shipping across the country and the window salesman's salary. If you install & glaze the glass yourself then it's even cheaper. How are your original windows engineered - ropes & pulleys or something more primitive (eg peg in the hole?). Pictures of both the originals and the window openings that need repair would be great if you have them.

[jade mortimer]

i concur....we are hand holders and sharers of information...let us help you save money and tell your visitors "i did most of the work myself" then sit back and listen to the refrain of 'oooh's' and 'ahhh's'......

....jade

[KathyJB]

Morlock I wish you all the best in your endeavor to find a cost effective solution to your window problem. Aluminum in a brick federal greek revival? I bet they leak like a sieve. If you find windows that work but cost $50.00 bucks or a little more over vinyl, don't you think it's best to get the wood? My house is a 50's house and I did get the vinyl double (edit) paned low e-grade vinyl, but Jade still loves me a little.

[jade mortimer]

ha-ha...kathy spelled double-pained correctly...
kisses.....
...jade