Window / Slider Replaced
Stan
I purchased my Rummer home last summer, and while many beautiful improvements and upgrades have been made by previous owners, it still has all of the original windows and sliders. I would like to eventually replace all of the movable glass, and possibly some of the smaller integrated (non-movable) pieces. Any expert advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Some specific questions I have are:
What are the pros and cons of aluminum vs. vinyl in terms of efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and price?
What companies/brands are reputable and can be trusted to offer fair prices and high quality installation?
What companies/brands should be avoided? Any bad experiences to share?
Are there any Rummer-specific considerations when doing window and slider replacements?
I'm thinking of contacting Glacier Window & Door to discuss Fleetwood windows. Has anybody done business with them?
I'm hoping there are some Rummer 'veterans' out there who can enlighten me.
Thanks,
JW
Stan,
Being new to the neighborhood I have appreciated some of the great advice I have received from everyone as I restore my Rummer - I wanted to give a little back -
I spent the part of the weekend cleaning windows on my Rummer which led me to examine replacing a broken window in my house. I wanted to find a new product that was energy efficient, , and aesthetically matched the clear anodized aluminum frame all my windows and doors have, and was NOT vinyl. Being an Architect, I have specified and reviewed good and bad product over the years - Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, Weathershield, Sierra Pacific, Summit etc..... I really wanted to find something that I felt kept the integrity of the original Rummer design. After a long web search, multiple phone calls to manufacturers, - I found a product that comes very close to the criteria I was out for.
"Fleetwood windows and doors"
They make a clear anodized interior and exterior product the meets the standards I am looking for.
http://www.fleetwoodusa.com/
- Glacier 3300 which is thermally broken in clear aluminum finish."
I also learned the Fleetwood product is used in a lot of Eichler's in California.
I met with a local door and window rep. David Schulman of Portland Millwork. He came out and showed me the Fleetwood product. I must say I was impressed. I also appreciated his low to no pressure sales chat: His e mail: [email protected] - ph : 503 519 0663
Since then, I have worked with David Schulman (503) 612 6828 at Portland Millwork on several of my own architecture projects regarding windows.
He provides great service and supports his products very well.
He supports the Fleetwood product also...Which is my recommendation.
I would not recommend Vinyl. I have not had great success with the product and it is simply is not a good fit for a Rummer.
- Best of luck
PP
Hi,
I sure hope Jonathan finds a response to his request. We have the exact same floor plan as he does and would be very interested in that information as well.
Thanks,
BB
You should call CLEAR CHOICE WINDOWS AND DOORS.
they replaced all our windows and the bid was 1,000 dollars less that two other places. The owners name is Mohsen. and many other people in the neighborhood have used them.
503-643-3887
He can tell you a lot about the windows.
Good luck with all your window stuff---you will love new windows and sliders once you get them!!
Makes a huge difference.
--JB
We had our windows done by Benson Glass. This was years ago (1977?). Don't know if they're still in business.
The TK and PK
Hi JW and Stan – I have over the years replaced a number of the original windows and door in our Rummer.
Please see my input below. We’ve used Neil Kelly to do these, usually in conjunction with other work, but any good residential framing/trim contractor could do the replacements.
What are the pros and cons of aluminum vs. vinyl in terms of efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and price? I believe the energy codes will not allow you to use aluminum as a replacement in residential work. If you use vinyl clad type, your color choices are limited (unless the industry has improved) and you pretty much have to live with what goes in (i.e. can’t paint them).
What companies/brands are reputable and can be trusted to offer fair prices and high quality installation? We’ve used Marvin brand as the typical replacement for both windows and patio doors. They are high quality wood with insulated glass. I’ve had them installed primed for paint and then painted them to match the color scheme of our house. We’re in Beaverton if you want to drive by and have a look sometime.
Are there any Rummer-specific considerations when doing window and slider replacements? Usually the framing headers above the existing windows can remain and the new just installs below. We did the atrium windows this way, the old window in the small kitchen-family room (it became a new patio door), and several of the other patio doors.
I'm thinking of contacting Glacier Window & Door to discuss Fleetwood windows. Has anybody done business with them? No experience.
Regards,
KJ
Hey JW,
Welcome! I know your home, it's amazing. My wife and I almost made an offer on that house last summer, before buying our home in Vista Brook.
We just replaced every shred of glass in our house, it was expensive, but made a huge difference. We went with aluminum windows for aesthetic and period, and switched out all the single paned glass for double paned.
For Aluminum windows (which are the best, period, sweet looking, etc.) there a ton of different options. I used Millguard, and they look good, but not amazing. I wish I had gone with a different company. My neighbor is the go to guy on windows. He's researched them a ton and knows the best brands.
But when it comes to the single paned sheets of glass, I have a great guy. Word of wisdom - DON'T go through a window company! They will charge you an arm and a leg. You can save thousands by just using a framer and ordering the double paned windows from Parr Lumber. It should cost you about half the price as a retail window company. I used a guy name Alan Iboshi. 503-504-0158. He was fabulous to work with and does a smashing job. I would highly recommend him for doing your windows, both aluminum and the sheets.
Have fun and enjoy your beautiful home!
JMC
Previous question:
Hi Stan.
Yes, I would appreciate you adding me to your list of rummer owners. I think I am the only rummer on Bull Mt and believe it must have been a build order as these are normally found in pockets. Sadly, none of the previous owners took any special care of this baby so I am plowing through a bit at a time. This year the roof....maybe a garage addition next year. I'll have to live with the kitchen for a bit...ugh!
Have you or anyone replaced windows lately? Mine are the original single pane and I am sure I am really loosing most of my heat that way. I am looking for a company that makes patio sliders in a brown-black or black finish. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,
RK
RK,
Last fall we successfully replaced three sliders in the back with Milguard brand (with the dark finish). Edelen's on Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy did the installation - smooth experience. Installers were careful.
CH
Hi RK,
What a surprise, a Rummer on Bull Mtn! I'm curious how many square feet your house is, and what you mean by a 'garage addition'.
I've been in my Rummer in Vista Brook since 1989. When I bought the house, only the master bedroom, the atrium window roof, and a couple narrow windows on the street side were double pane. Nearly 10 years ago I had all other bedroom windows and exterior glass sliders replaced with double pane vinyl. I wanted white, so I had no difficulty there! My huge living room windows are made of 'waterglass' - are yours? I consider waterglass a classic architectural element so I have avoided replacing them. I did replace my kitchen window with double pane thermal glass, because it bothered me that the original window often steamed up during the winter when I cooked or washed dishes. A few years ago I had ceramic film applied to the all of my big single pane windows. This makes them somewhat more insulating and a lot stronger. I did it mostly for earthquake-proofing my home. The ceramic film is visually clear and colorless and not cheap. I had a less expensive and maximum UV-cutting film applied to my atrium window roof which was double-pane because the reflective look on the outside doesn't matter to me up there. I have been completely satisfied with this solution (film) and have no plans or desire to replace my remaining single panes. Care-wise, you have to avoid ammonia-containing window cleaners when you have window film, but that's it.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know about an alternative to replacing your largest windows. I would like to find the perfect window coverings for my living room windows - coverings that magically disappear when not in use! And I should get off the dime with removing the carpeting - the radiant heating is much less effective at heating when carpeting and pad cover it. It's possible I will see lower natural gas bills whenever it is that I get that done!
Good luck and many years of enjoyment of your Rummer!
MB
I purchased my Rummer home last summer, and while many beautiful improvements and upgrades have been made by previous owners, it still has all of the original windows and sliders. I would like to eventually replace all of the movable glass, and possibly some of the smaller integrated (non-movable) pieces. Any expert advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Some specific questions I have are:
What are the pros and cons of aluminum vs. vinyl in terms of efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and price?
What companies/brands are reputable and can be trusted to offer fair prices and high quality installation?
What companies/brands should be avoided? Any bad experiences to share?
Are there any Rummer-specific considerations when doing window and slider replacements?
I'm thinking of contacting Glacier Window & Door to discuss Fleetwood windows. Has anybody done business with them?
I'm hoping there are some Rummer 'veterans' out there who can enlighten me.
Thanks,
JW
Stan,
Being new to the neighborhood I have appreciated some of the great advice I have received from everyone as I restore my Rummer - I wanted to give a little back -
I spent the part of the weekend cleaning windows on my Rummer which led me to examine replacing a broken window in my house. I wanted to find a new product that was energy efficient, , and aesthetically matched the clear anodized aluminum frame all my windows and doors have, and was NOT vinyl. Being an Architect, I have specified and reviewed good and bad product over the years - Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, Weathershield, Sierra Pacific, Summit etc..... I really wanted to find something that I felt kept the integrity of the original Rummer design. After a long web search, multiple phone calls to manufacturers, - I found a product that comes very close to the criteria I was out for.
"Fleetwood windows and doors"
They make a clear anodized interior and exterior product the meets the standards I am looking for.
http://www.fleetwoodusa.com/
- Glacier 3300 which is thermally broken in clear aluminum finish."
I also learned the Fleetwood product is used in a lot of Eichler's in California.
I met with a local door and window rep. David Schulman of Portland Millwork. He came out and showed me the Fleetwood product. I must say I was impressed. I also appreciated his low to no pressure sales chat: His e mail: [email protected] - ph : 503 519 0663
Since then, I have worked with David Schulman (503) 612 6828 at Portland Millwork on several of my own architecture projects regarding windows.
He provides great service and supports his products very well.
He supports the Fleetwood product also...Which is my recommendation.
I would not recommend Vinyl. I have not had great success with the product and it is simply is not a good fit for a Rummer.
- Best of luck
PP
Hi,
I sure hope Jonathan finds a response to his request. We have the exact same floor plan as he does and would be very interested in that information as well.
Thanks,
BB
You should call CLEAR CHOICE WINDOWS AND DOORS.
they replaced all our windows and the bid was 1,000 dollars less that two other places. The owners name is Mohsen. and many other people in the neighborhood have used them.
503-643-3887
He can tell you a lot about the windows.
Good luck with all your window stuff---you will love new windows and sliders once you get them!!
Makes a huge difference.
--JB
We had our windows done by Benson Glass. This was years ago (1977?). Don't know if they're still in business.
The TK and PK
Hi JW and Stan – I have over the years replaced a number of the original windows and door in our Rummer.
Please see my input below. We’ve used Neil Kelly to do these, usually in conjunction with other work, but any good residential framing/trim contractor could do the replacements.
What are the pros and cons of aluminum vs. vinyl in terms of efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and price? I believe the energy codes will not allow you to use aluminum as a replacement in residential work. If you use vinyl clad type, your color choices are limited (unless the industry has improved) and you pretty much have to live with what goes in (i.e. can’t paint them).
What companies/brands are reputable and can be trusted to offer fair prices and high quality installation? We’ve used Marvin brand as the typical replacement for both windows and patio doors. They are high quality wood with insulated glass. I’ve had them installed primed for paint and then painted them to match the color scheme of our house. We’re in Beaverton if you want to drive by and have a look sometime.
Are there any Rummer-specific considerations when doing window and slider replacements? Usually the framing headers above the existing windows can remain and the new just installs below. We did the atrium windows this way, the old window in the small kitchen-family room (it became a new patio door), and several of the other patio doors.
I'm thinking of contacting Glacier Window & Door to discuss Fleetwood windows. Has anybody done business with them? No experience.
Regards,
KJ
Hey JW,
Welcome! I know your home, it's amazing. My wife and I almost made an offer on that house last summer, before buying our home in Vista Brook.
We just replaced every shred of glass in our house, it was expensive, but made a huge difference. We went with aluminum windows for aesthetic and period, and switched out all the single paned glass for double paned.
For Aluminum windows (which are the best, period, sweet looking, etc.) there a ton of different options. I used Millguard, and they look good, but not amazing. I wish I had gone with a different company. My neighbor is the go to guy on windows. He's researched them a ton and knows the best brands.
But when it comes to the single paned sheets of glass, I have a great guy. Word of wisdom - DON'T go through a window company! They will charge you an arm and a leg. You can save thousands by just using a framer and ordering the double paned windows from Parr Lumber. It should cost you about half the price as a retail window company. I used a guy name Alan Iboshi. 503-504-0158. He was fabulous to work with and does a smashing job. I would highly recommend him for doing your windows, both aluminum and the sheets.
Have fun and enjoy your beautiful home!
JMC
Previous question:
Hi Stan.
Yes, I would appreciate you adding me to your list of rummer owners. I think I am the only rummer on Bull Mt and believe it must have been a build order as these are normally found in pockets. Sadly, none of the previous owners took any special care of this baby so I am plowing through a bit at a time. This year the roof....maybe a garage addition next year. I'll have to live with the kitchen for a bit...ugh!
Have you or anyone replaced windows lately? Mine are the original single pane and I am sure I am really loosing most of my heat that way. I am looking for a company that makes patio sliders in a brown-black or black finish. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,
RK
RK,
Last fall we successfully replaced three sliders in the back with Milguard brand (with the dark finish). Edelen's on Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy did the installation - smooth experience. Installers were careful.
CH
Hi RK,
What a surprise, a Rummer on Bull Mtn! I'm curious how many square feet your house is, and what you mean by a 'garage addition'.
I've been in my Rummer in Vista Brook since 1989. When I bought the house, only the master bedroom, the atrium window roof, and a couple narrow windows on the street side were double pane. Nearly 10 years ago I had all other bedroom windows and exterior glass sliders replaced with double pane vinyl. I wanted white, so I had no difficulty there! My huge living room windows are made of 'waterglass' - are yours? I consider waterglass a classic architectural element so I have avoided replacing them. I did replace my kitchen window with double pane thermal glass, because it bothered me that the original window often steamed up during the winter when I cooked or washed dishes. A few years ago I had ceramic film applied to the all of my big single pane windows. This makes them somewhat more insulating and a lot stronger. I did it mostly for earthquake-proofing my home. The ceramic film is visually clear and colorless and not cheap. I had a less expensive and maximum UV-cutting film applied to my atrium window roof which was double-pane because the reflective look on the outside doesn't matter to me up there. I have been completely satisfied with this solution (film) and have no plans or desire to replace my remaining single panes. Care-wise, you have to avoid ammonia-containing window cleaners when you have window film, but that's it.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know about an alternative to replacing your largest windows. I would like to find the perfect window coverings for my living room windows - coverings that magically disappear when not in use! And I should get off the dime with removing the carpeting - the radiant heating is much less effective at heating when carpeting and pad cover it. It's possible I will see lower natural gas bills whenever it is that I get that done!
Good luck and many years of enjoyment of your Rummer!
MB