LogHomeJunkie
08-24-2009, 10:50 AM
I would appreciate your help in choosing replacement windows for our home.? Our home has full log construction -- the interior is unfinished logs with a light tan stain. The look of the interior and exterior is more rustic than modern. So, I'm concerned about a clash of styles if the windows we choose are too modern looking.
-- Wood windows would be ideal from the standpoint of style, but they are extremely expensive. Even though the exterior of the windows would be clad in aluminum or vinyl, I don't like the vulnerability to damage of the *interior* of the windows. Applying a polyurethane-type finish to the interior is quite expensive and might look strange next to the unfinished log walls.
-- Fiberglass has cleaner, simpler, more modern looking lines. It is quite strong, so the replacement window frames can be thinner vinyl, obstructing less of the view, and less subject to sagging/warping, etc. A wood grain appearance on the interior is available, but is quite expensive. We really liked the look and operation of the Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows, but the only available solid colors for the interior are white and cream. That may be a bit stark against the tan logs - what do you think?
-- Vinyl is least expensive. But it is the most environmentally bothersome material, most vulnerable to losing its shape, and bulkiest due to its relative lack of strength. Two of the brands available locally are the Alside UltraMaxx a.k.a. Alside Ultimate 2000, and Polaris UltraWeld.
After having a home energy audit from our electric co-op, and after reading this:
http://www.remodelguidance.com/newsletter/greenbldg/efficiency/vintagegreenwindows.html,
I see that new windows won't make much difference in our energy efficiency.? But, our current 30 year old windows are extremely difficult to clean, and the storm windows are often difficult to operate.
Your advice is appreciated!
?Pictures of what we have now are here:
http://www.pbase.com/teffy/log_home
http://www.pbase.com/teffy/windows
-- Wood windows would be ideal from the standpoint of style, but they are extremely expensive. Even though the exterior of the windows would be clad in aluminum or vinyl, I don't like the vulnerability to damage of the *interior* of the windows. Applying a polyurethane-type finish to the interior is quite expensive and might look strange next to the unfinished log walls.
-- Fiberglass has cleaner, simpler, more modern looking lines. It is quite strong, so the replacement window frames can be thinner vinyl, obstructing less of the view, and less subject to sagging/warping, etc. A wood grain appearance on the interior is available, but is quite expensive. We really liked the look and operation of the Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows, but the only available solid colors for the interior are white and cream. That may be a bit stark against the tan logs - what do you think?
-- Vinyl is least expensive. But it is the most environmentally bothersome material, most vulnerable to losing its shape, and bulkiest due to its relative lack of strength. Two of the brands available locally are the Alside UltraMaxx a.k.a. Alside Ultimate 2000, and Polaris UltraWeld.
After having a home energy audit from our electric co-op, and after reading this:
http://www.remodelguidance.com/newsletter/greenbldg/efficiency/vintagegreenwindows.html,
I see that new windows won't make much difference in our energy efficiency.? But, our current 30 year old windows are extremely difficult to clean, and the storm windows are often difficult to operate.
Your advice is appreciated!
?Pictures of what we have now are here:
http://www.pbase.com/teffy/log_home
http://www.pbase.com/teffy/windows