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replacement window options?

I have a 40 yr old ranch house with single pane, double hung wood windows. The glazing on them is shot, they don't stay up by themselves, and in the winter they are very drafty, even with aluminum 3-track storm windows. Obviously it's time to replace the windows. But because of other exterior problems, I had my house sided last year with new vinyl siding (on top of the old wood siding). I don't want to do anything to damage the new siding. I do not like the look of vinyl windows inside my house, I want wood. On the outside vinyl or aluminum is fine. Also, I'd like to get rid of the ugly aluminum 3-track storms/screen attached to the outside of my windows, so I'll need screens as well as windows. I live the Chicago area, so I need windows that are appropriate for that climate. What are my options to replace these windows, without damaging the siding?

Public Comments

1. MANY new replacement windows are replaced from inside the house now. Call a Contractor, you may have to go thru several to find one that has what you want. AND they will not be as cheap as vinyl replacement windows.


2. jefferson wood windows


3. Unless you have a house that truly would look awkward without double-hungs ( a historic colonial for example ), I would definitely go with casement windows. They open laterally using a hand crank on the sill. Casements open and close smoothly, close tight, and there are no counterweights or anything to worry about. Plus, they don't get stuck shut because of paint build up or changes in humidity . Like I said, unless your home would look strange without double-hungs, I'd go with casements. Almost all European houses use casements by the way.

   Anderson and Pella are the best.



4. Your options are almost limitless.

   The windows can be done from inside, and unless your sills are rotted out, there should be nothing to do on the outside except some caulking.

   With a quality replacement window, any storm/screen combo is unnecessary.

   Look for a window with thermal panes (insulated glass) with Low-E.

   If you want the wood look on the inside, but don't want the maintenance hassles that go with it, there are all vinyl windows that offer a "wood" interior. The interior is a wood "foil," giving you the wood look without the care of real wood. There are companies out there that do a very good job of this "wood" technique. I have a turn-of-the-century home myself and chose this option in my own home.

   I would only caution you against one brand, and that is Pella. I personally feel they use some creative wording to sell slightly less than what really is, and strongly dislike the repairability of their windows.

   Brands I like, think offer quality and repairability, and will work in your climate include: Heartland, Anderson, Great Lakes, and Lindsay.



5. get Anderson double pane windows,they are wood framed, and very efficient and look good,also if you know how to replace the windows you can do it yourself, without damaging the siding.


6. Anderson makes a window called Renewal that is a replacement window. It is vinyl but looks like wood, there are options. I had mine replaced and a good window replacement contractor will leave your house looking better than before. Call around for replacement window contractors for estimates. Not cheap, but will save you money with your heating / cooling bills and add value to your home.


7. many home repair stores have vinyl replacement inserts that are double hung bought mine at menards and i live in wisconsin