Advice desperately needed in the Pacific Northwet

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Carolinorygun
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Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 12:46 pm

Advice desperately needed in the Pacific Northwet

#1 Post by Carolinorygun »

We own a thirty-year-old hip-roofed ranch we built ourselves (deep-eaved, moderately Prairie-style). The front of the house is faced with rock; windows have slate sills. Rock is now "protected" (yes, even rock can be endangered) and is no longer obtainable if there's any damage. Windows are commercial-grade double-pane Viking sliders and awning. Most are still in great shape but master bedroom is desperate for replacement. We will be remodeling kitchen and dining area also. All these areas are on the back side of the house with T-111 vertical siding. We could go as far as new installation there if appropriate. House is tight, well-built, well-insulated; energy costs are not high. Climate generally mild.

Questions:

1) Should we limit replacement to the back of the house (master bedroom, bath, kitchen, dining) and just leave the front alone? I am petrified at the prospect of damage to the rock facing and am not sure it's worth it anyway given current low utilities. Large picture window (west-facing) was retrofitted with low-e by local glass company who did an excellent job. Could do the same with the two bedroom windows on the front.

2) Is there a retrofit (z-bar??) you could recommend compatible with the style of this house and not too heavy or "clunky" which could be used all the way around or just in the front with replacement inserts in the back? We looked at vinyl, specifically Alside Sheffield, which comes in dark brown, but it is way too obtrusive and are leaning in the direction of metal-clad wood or fiberglass. Any companies or lines (styles) you think are worth investigating?

Advice will be greatly appreciated. It's not a fancy or big house but we love it and plan to stay until they carry us out. We want to do this right and while we aren't eager to throw money away are less concerned about cost than quality and aesthetics.

Carol

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