Which is the best window for a full replacement window?

For all those Replacement Window decisions - just read, review or post a question. You will be helped!
Post Reply
Message
Author
mfernand
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2005 6:29 am

Which is the best window for a full replacement window?

#1 Post by mfernand »

Which is the best custom size vinyl window for a full gutted replacement window? It would be a new window including brick mould and window sill. Or wood interior with a vinyl exterior a better durable window? I live in the chicago area. All suggestions are appreciated. Thank YOU.

User avatar
Window4U (IL)
Posts: 1374
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:58 pm
Location: Sales and Installation in Chicagoland and Central Illinois

#2 Post by Window4U (IL) »

There are vinyl windows that come with an exterior brickmold. But, to get them to fit exactly where the old brickmold was can be very difficult if you are not re-siding your home at the same time, (or not having a really good installer measuring and installing them). They do work very well in certain instances though.
If there are existing 1x4 exterior casings and not brickmold, what do you do with the other 1 1/4" of space against the siding? The sills will probably not match up perfect either. Just things to think about when planning the installation.
In certain instances, it would be better to just get the new windows with the nailing fin only so the installer can install new casing around the window and custom wrap the exterior to fit perfectly against the existing siding.

A really skilled window craftsman can make pretty much any window look like it belongs in the old opening. The trouble comes when the craftsman does not have the skill, experience, or imagination to get the job done and have it look like the windows always belonged there. How many times have we all seen windows that were replaced and now have small pieces of fill-in wood around them on the exterior? It looks pretty nasty.

HipKat
Posts: 301
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:22 pm
Location: Peoria, IL
Contact:

#3 Post by HipKat »

The best overall window though, in most people's opinion, as far as manufacturer, is the Schuco. Do a search for Schuco on this site, and you'll find of plenty of info on them, and it's all good.
If you live anywhere near me, then I can show you some other choices, too. (Sorry, gotta be a salesman, ONCE in a while)

JScott
Posts: 323
Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:48 pm

#4 Post by JScott »

Infinity from Marvin comes in two types of frames. Full replacement and frame insert replacement. Most vinyl windows are either new construction or insert replacement. Some vinyl companies offer both. In Chicagoland you have a multitude of options for many brands.

Post Reply