Quote:
Originally Posted by jaoneill
I wouldn't disagree with changing out 1980's windows, or for that matter anything newer than 1950. But, you have made my point in mentioning 25 year old windows that have to be replaced.
We live in one of the worst climates in the lower 48 and find that 100 year old windows, with virtually no maintenance, are only now beginning to fail. Although I realize that it is the "American Way", that new is better, I have a problem with substituting the new 10, 15, or 25 year product for the 100 year old, infinitely more appealing unit that will be around for another 100 years with a coat of paint every 15 years and replacement of the glazing compound every 25. That to me is minimal maintenance, certainly less than a regularly scheduled, full replacement every 10, 15 or 25 years (depending on the quality of the "new" crap.
Jim
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While I understand your position and why I think that maybe you don't understand mine. Most of my work is coastal RI, South Kingstown and Narragansett. Look on a map you will see lots of coastline. That means salt air. Here an aluminum screen door lasts 10 years, tops. Most go maybe 5 years and are eaten apart from salt. Paint lasting 15 years? Holy crap, in my dreams, 4-5 years if you are lucky. Premium red cedar shingles last 15 years if left to "weather" Window glazing disintegrates in 6-7 years. Its almost impossible to keep door hardware, outside lighting, metal railings, etc. looking decent if not alive for more than a few years. Any lumber that is not backprimed, joints too, and seams caulked will check, cup, warp and pull of the building in 10 years. Properly installed 25-30 years is about it unless scrupulously maintained. Wrought iron railings disintegrate to scale in less than 10 years. Galvanized fasteners are worthless, stainless is the only acceptable method of fastening anything within a few miles of the ocean. You can do it your way, and many wealthy folks do. There is a veritable army of skilled "new england tradesmen" that cater to the mansion owners with the pockets to keep up with this work. Everybody else eventually comes around to synthetics. RT