Replacement Windows

Our house is old. Not amazingly old, but old enough. Much of the glass in the house is from 1893. The windows are almost all double hung 1 over 1 (no mullions). Simple, but big panes. The last time I bought window glass, it was 22 dollars a pane, and that was at least 5 years ago. A pain in the wallet repairing windows.

But there are areas of the house that I am not willing to change the architectural features of the house by putting in replacement windows. But the little bathroom in the Elle that is in the shadow of the barn and looks out into a corner of the backyard was not one I felt so sensitive about. With the renovations in that bathroom, I had been meaning to replace the window anyway, but this summer, the mower picked up a chunk of wood and threw it through the window. Rather than repair the old wooden sash and glass, I shelled out for a replacement window. I was pleasantly surprised at the cost, about $165 for an argon filled, low e glass and tempered double panes. It was a special order (odd size 28 X 68) and took three weeks to get it. I ordered it through my local building supply company. I checked at the big box stores, and it would have been twice as much.

Installing it was very easy (lucky the house is still straight and true). Remove the old sashes, stops, ropes and pulleys. Check the new window for size. Put good caulking around it and slide it into place. Replace the molding and trim and a little extra caulk from the outside.

I am happy with the result. This is a window that will help keep the bathroom warm, minimize condensation, never need painting, functions very well. But I have to admit I will not be replacing the windows in the rest of the house anytime soon. It definitely has a more modern feel that I would not want to spread throughout the house. There are a few places that are largely out of sight that are appropriate for these windows, though. For the rest, I am lucky that the old windows are mostly in good shape and protected by good storm windows.