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| Author: | Laura S., Gilroy, Calif |
| Subject: | Old 1997 aluminum windows -> vinyl; "New Construction" grade nec?; cleaning |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-30 04:26:03 |
SUBJ: Old 1997 aluminum windows -> vinyl; "New Construction" grade nec?; cleaning
We currently have crappy aluminum windows (1997) throughout the house which the developer installed -- we are going to replace them with vinyl.
In the book "How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor Without Getting Chiseled" by Tom Philbin (Jan. 1997, St. Martin's Griffin), p. 218, the author writes:
"Replacing an aluminum window with a vinyl one is more problematic [than replacing a vinyl with vinyl]. The interior of the window, being metal, can't be easily cleaned out. The whole window has to be removed."
Does this mean that we should get "NEW CONSTRUCTION" grade vinyl windows vs. REPLACEMENT/REMODEL grade vinyl windows? Why is the cleaning of an old aluminum window different from the cleaning of an old vinyl or wood or fiberglass window?
I have read through some of the comments on this site, and cannot find an answer.
Please 'splain (explain). Comments welcome.
Laura S.
Gilroy, California 95020
~ Santa Clara County, between San Jose & Monterey. Near Salinas & Santa Cruz ~
| Author: | Guy |
| In Reply To: | Old 1997 aluminum windows -> vinyl; "New Construction" grade nec?; cleaning (posted by Laura S., Gilroy, Calif) |
| Subject: | RE: Old 1997 aluminum windows -> vinyl; "New Construction" grade nec?; cleaning |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-30 12:17:45 |
Laura, What the Author is saying is he feels you can't put a replacement window in an old aluminum frame. His personal preference is to remove the entire frame and clean the opening down to the studs. What he's referring to when he speaks of "cleaning" the opening is. The removal of stops and tracks to make an exeptable opening for the insert. Old wood windows allow us pieces to remove that let us get a good area for installation. (Not Always) We have to cut stuff away with a saw every now and then. Aluminum doesn't offer that convenience to work with. There are contractors out there that can install replacement windows in existing aluminum openings. Personally if you can do a Total Opening Replacement, go for it!! Just as long as they can get to everything on the exterior and cover the fin ok. This can give you the best seal if done right. Also remember the book you have is just an opinion on how to do things. Just as I'm offering my opinion he's giving his. He's making some money on the deal but remember you may have to bend the rules sometimes to get it all to work right. Keep an open mind all the time. Good Luck!!