1940's farmhouse
1940's farmhouse
I'm getting ready to redo the exterior of a 1940's farmhouse in the far western part of Virginia. It's rural, so my choices of windows (all new construction) are fairly limited. I can order Andersen from Home Depot and Pella from Lowe's, but can't help feel like I'm not getting a very good value from either of these options. There's an ABC Supply Co nearby, but every time I've gone there I end up paying more than list price for whatever I buy. I don't want to support them with my dollars any more.
Some information about the windows:
- 26 total windows. 8 casement windows. 1 slider and 17 double hung.
- I will be installing these myself. I've done windows before and consider myself an advanced DIYer. I'm slow, but I tend to do better work than most contractors who are interested in getting things done fast, rather than right.
- I'd like to stay away from vinyl, which seems to confuse everyone that I talk to here.
- I have budgeted about $25k for the project including windows and all supplies and I feel like this should be enough. Estimated value of the farm house, when completed is about 500k - so we're not talking about a $1M home.
- I plan to live in this place for the next 30+ years
- Most of the time the windows will stay closed. I live in a noisy area and it's usually either hot and humid or cold and windy.
- Wall depths will be non-standard. I'm going to be adding extra external insulation and have actual 2x4's. I'd also like to do my own trimwork for the sills to more closely match what was in the house originally.
- I think I can get quotes from a Local 84 lumber for PlyGem, Andersen and JeldWen, but before I go there...
I have these questions:
- Are there outfits that sell to DIY'ers like me where I can order, and then when the windows are ready, either have them delivered or rent a U-haul and pick them up? Seems like the companies I talk to, I am out of their service area and they won't sell to me.
- Folks seem to have a strong opinion of clad windows vs fiberglass. Obviously fiberglass can't rot, but if the windows are mostly closed will it matter? Existing windows are 80+ years old and are wood.
- I've gone around and tried to see the difference between the brands out there. I've seen JeldWen SiteLine, Andersen 100's and Pella Impervia. Is there somewhere that I can go to see other options in person?
- What direction would you go as far as windows?
Some information about the windows:
- 26 total windows. 8 casement windows. 1 slider and 17 double hung.
- I will be installing these myself. I've done windows before and consider myself an advanced DIYer. I'm slow, but I tend to do better work than most contractors who are interested in getting things done fast, rather than right.
- I'd like to stay away from vinyl, which seems to confuse everyone that I talk to here.
- I have budgeted about $25k for the project including windows and all supplies and I feel like this should be enough. Estimated value of the farm house, when completed is about 500k - so we're not talking about a $1M home.
- I plan to live in this place for the next 30+ years
- Most of the time the windows will stay closed. I live in a noisy area and it's usually either hot and humid or cold and windy.
- Wall depths will be non-standard. I'm going to be adding extra external insulation and have actual 2x4's. I'd also like to do my own trimwork for the sills to more closely match what was in the house originally.
- I think I can get quotes from a Local 84 lumber for PlyGem, Andersen and JeldWen, but before I go there...
I have these questions:
- Are there outfits that sell to DIY'ers like me where I can order, and then when the windows are ready, either have them delivered or rent a U-haul and pick them up? Seems like the companies I talk to, I am out of their service area and they won't sell to me.
- Folks seem to have a strong opinion of clad windows vs fiberglass. Obviously fiberglass can't rot, but if the windows are mostly closed will it matter? Existing windows are 80+ years old and are wood.
- I've gone around and tried to see the difference between the brands out there. I've seen JeldWen SiteLine, Andersen 100's and Pella Impervia. Is there somewhere that I can go to see other options in person?
- What direction would you go as far as windows?
- TheWindowNerd
- Posts: 2367
- Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex
Re: 1940's farmhouse
I can help you.
thewindownerds.com
thewindownerds.com
- Windows on Washington
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- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Re: 1940's farmhouse
What do you consider the "Western Part" of Virginia? You near Roanoke?
Are you wanting to do this project yourself? So sourcing materials, recommendations, etc?
Are you wanting to do this project yourself? So sourcing materials, recommendations, etc?
Re: 1940's farmhouse
Yes, Roanoke is a little over an hour away. I'm just outside Wytheville.
Yes, advice is always welcome - sourcing and understanding the advantage of each brand also has value, since I can't seem to find a showroom or purchase options for Okna, Milgard, Simonton, etc . I do plan to do the project myself with the assistance of another pair of hands (windows are heavy). Frankly, I feel like I am just about to make a very large purchase without having all of the facts in front of me, hoping that I get "lucky".
Yes, advice is always welcome - sourcing and understanding the advantage of each brand also has value, since I can't seem to find a showroom or purchase options for Okna, Milgard, Simonton, etc . I do plan to do the project myself with the assistance of another pair of hands (windows are heavy). Frankly, I feel like I am just about to make a very large purchase without having all of the facts in front of me, hoping that I get "lucky".
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 5476
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Re: 1940's farmhouse
Well...you can take Milgard off your list. Not East of the Rockies any longer.
Soft-Lite, Sunrise (now MI), Okna, and Vytex are all solid choices.
Soft-Lite, Sunrise (now MI), Okna, and Vytex are all solid choices.
- TheWindowNerd
- Posts: 2367
- Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex
Re: 1940's farmhouse
You should ignore luck and get education.
I can sell ya Pella via a close ABC supply.
Eric at windows on washington might be willing to sell you DIY Okna.
Reach out for more edu.
I can sell ya Pella via a close ABC supply.
Eric at windows on washington might be willing to sell you DIY Okna.
Reach out for more edu.
Re: 1940's farmhouse
Okay, let me ask it this way then:
- Marvin Essentials are the leading contender in my mind right now. They have a solid feel when opening and closing (feel like closing a heavy car door, like a mercedes, versus a toyota corolla) and they're fiberglass, meaning they shouldn't move/warp as much as time goes on. They also fit the budget. They also don't wobble in the frame.
- I'd rather spend the money on nicer windows now and have them last 40+ years. I don't want to do this again especially when I am no longer able to do the work myself.
- Exterior of the windows will be white.
- I'd rather the grids be on the external side of the glass, and the Marvin's don't offer that on the Essential line. Marvin Signature is outside of my budget.
My questions:
1. Many of these windows are south-facing and get beat on by the sun all year long. I had heard that fiberglass windows "move" less and thus, are likely to be longer lasting than the alternatives. If this is true, is there a reason to consider MI Windows (vinyl only apparently, Okna (ditto), Vytex or Softlite)?
2. I've heard that Pella Reserve are great windows, but I don't think my budget allows it, or is it reasonable to try and get the windows sizes I want (see above) for less than $1k per window in Pella Reserve?
3. There's a Sierra Pacific dealer about 45 minutes away. They seem to offer aluminum clad wood windows. Any thoughts on the quality of them?
4. In looking at U-factor ratings that I have been quoted of the Marvin windows, I see that they are at .30. Okna seems to be a bit better at .26 on the 800 series. Obviously a better U-factor is better, but replacing a single window over the course of my ownership of the house would wipe out any energy efficiency gains it seems (to me). Or is my thinking off?
- Marvin Essentials are the leading contender in my mind right now. They have a solid feel when opening and closing (feel like closing a heavy car door, like a mercedes, versus a toyota corolla) and they're fiberglass, meaning they shouldn't move/warp as much as time goes on. They also fit the budget. They also don't wobble in the frame.
- I'd rather spend the money on nicer windows now and have them last 40+ years. I don't want to do this again especially when I am no longer able to do the work myself.
- Exterior of the windows will be white.
- I'd rather the grids be on the external side of the glass, and the Marvin's don't offer that on the Essential line. Marvin Signature is outside of my budget.
My questions:
1. Many of these windows are south-facing and get beat on by the sun all year long. I had heard that fiberglass windows "move" less and thus, are likely to be longer lasting than the alternatives. If this is true, is there a reason to consider MI Windows (vinyl only apparently, Okna (ditto), Vytex or Softlite)?
2. I've heard that Pella Reserve are great windows, but I don't think my budget allows it, or is it reasonable to try and get the windows sizes I want (see above) for less than $1k per window in Pella Reserve?
3. There's a Sierra Pacific dealer about 45 minutes away. They seem to offer aluminum clad wood windows. Any thoughts on the quality of them?
4. In looking at U-factor ratings that I have been quoted of the Marvin windows, I see that they are at .30. Okna seems to be a bit better at .26 on the 800 series. Obviously a better U-factor is better, but replacing a single window over the course of my ownership of the house would wipe out any energy efficiency gains it seems (to me). Or is my thinking off?
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 5476
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
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Re: 1940's farmhouse
Answers:
1. Mostly a good Marketing "cheese" that is claimed by fiberglass makers. Not applicable or demonstrable.
2. Not familiar with that new model or if it's just a rebrand. Plenty of feedback, good and bad, on the Pella.
3. Can't see any reason to choose SP over Marvin or Andersen.
4. I'd want the most efficient window that I can get, that fits the project. As a general rule.
1. Mostly a good Marketing "cheese" that is claimed by fiberglass makers. Not applicable or demonstrable.
2. Not familiar with that new model or if it's just a rebrand. Plenty of feedback, good and bad, on the Pella.
3. Can't see any reason to choose SP over Marvin or Andersen.
4. I'd want the most efficient window that I can get, that fits the project. As a general rule.
- TheWindowNerd
- Posts: 2367
- Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
- Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex
Re: 1940's farmhouse
Marvin Elevate offers SDL grids.
Pella lifestyles offers GBG, SDL, and SDLs
Pella lifestyles offers GBG, SDL, and SDLs