The Good, the Bad and now the Ugly. Aluminium Windows.

Starting in the late 1950's, many builders began using all aluminium windows-especially for less expensive housing (not necessarily cheap though). This type of window offered up many attractive advantages over wood and steel windows. First off they were very inexpensive and easy to make. And, they were durable as all get out. There are a lot of homes around today, built before the energy crisis of the 1970's that still have their original single pane, aluminum windows. And it is no uncommon for them to be in very reasonable working condition. My neighborhood in Hillandale, MD has a lot of  ramblers, split foyers and split level style homes that were built in the 1960s. It is not uncommon to see aluminium windows in this style of home. My older Hillandale home has the old triple track aluminum storm windows over the original wood sash windows. I am guessing that they are over 40 years old. They are not too pretty but still effective as storm windows.

The real problem with aluminum widows is that they were made out of aluminum. And aluminium is known to be a great conductor of heat and cold. So if you have the old simple single pane aluminium windows or worse yet, sliding glass doors, you are losing a lot of energy. It just can't be helped. In addition, you have to admit that those windows are pretty darn ugly. So if you got em then by all means think of replacing them. You won't harm the architectural value of your home one bit by replacing those ugly old things, and it is one window replacement job where it probably will be cost effective over time as both an energy saver and as a means of increasing the value of your home.

The real issue is what to replace them with. There are a lot of good replacement windows out there including some new efficient aluminum windows. Just remember, that with windows it is true that you are going to get what you pay for. Don't go too cheap on the windows. Do your research and look for windows with solid long term warranties. And pay attention to the types of windows that might cause you problems. Lately some of the vinyl and aluminum clad wood windows (including some made by very reputable companies such as Pella and Anderson) have come under fire for defects. Below is an interesting video on the subject. So make sure that you are getting proven technology and look for quality windows that fit the look and style of your home.

Want to piss some money away? Why not replace your windows?

I know the title is somewhat inflammatory but it just drives me crazy when I show an older home in the DC Metro region to prospective buyers and the first thing I hear about is the need to replace the old windows. There are so many reasons that this is a bad idea and in my opinion a bad investment. My home was built in 1938 and it has the original double hung sash windows. I love them and they add to the charm and feel of the home. It is unfortunate that most things written about replacement windows are  the product of the same people who have a vested interest in getting you to drop a wad of bills on new windows. They tout the ease of use of new windows and the energy savings but when you look at the costs of new windows vs the benefits of keeping and repairing your old wood windows, then perhaps keeping the old will sound more attractive. Here are some of my reasons.

• No matter how expensive you go, your new windows will not be the same quality as your old windows. It is a fact, new windows cost a lot of money and they will never last as long as good quality older windows. Most replacement windows are vinyl and the quality can vary depending on the price. However vinyl eventually wears out and the average useful life of vinyl windows is about 20 years and you then will need to replace them again. Even high dollar (and good quality) wood replacement windows are not as good as old windows because older windows were made from high quality old growth wood that is not commercially available any more.
• Energy savings with new windows may not be as much as promised. The reason is only a small percentage of your energy losses is through your windows. Most energy loss in a home takes place in poorly insulated attics. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on new windows, you probably can spend less just upgrading your attic insulation and save more money in the end.
• Double pane vinyl windows are not necessarily better insulators that old wood windows. It is most important to understand that wood is a better insulator that plastic. A well maintained wood window with good storm windows may actually provide better insulation.  They now make decorator, low visibility storm  windows to replace the older exterior aluminum ones that do look pretty bad.
• As long as the old window is not totally rotted out, it can be repaired by a competent handy man. Some projects such as sash windows  that have been painted shut (quite common) will require a bit of restoration but broken sash cords, replacement window panes, glazing are all fairly simple jobs that either you or your handyman can do.
• I don't care what you say. Original windows just look better and will always complement the style and architecture of your home over any replacement window you can find. Simply put, these are the windows that the original builder intended your home to have. They reflect the era that your home was built. Street appeal adds value to your home and the wrong replacement windows can cost your value. 

Now there are times when you should replace those windows. Stay tuned for my next post.

Here is a nice simple video about old windows. I like the video because the old gent talking about them obviously knows his stuff. No slick sales pitch here.

I love old homes. If you are a fan and want to see values for older homes in Silver Spring or other areas pay to my web site.