Walter R. wrote:
I have several 12' sliding patio doors, using 4' panels. Inside trim is
standard but on the outside, the flanges are imbedded in the stucco
surrounding the doors. The doors are single pane glass and I would like to
replace them with dual pane glass, for obvious reasons.

The Window Replacement Companies that I consulted want to put a plastic
frame inside the existing aluminum frame and replace the aluminum sliding
doors with plastic frame doors. They are not interested in replacing the
aluminum windows with new aluminum windows because they do not like to work
with stucco. They say that's a big mess and effort.

The problem is that the existing black anodized aluminum frames are very
narrow and thus do not diminish the view through the doors. If I replace
them with plastic frames, I will lose about 15 to 20% of my view, which
would be a shame.

Rather than use plastic replacement windows, how big a job is it to remove
the stucco from around the frames and just put in new aluminum frames? Is
this a DIY project?

Thanks for any input. Any other solutions to this dilemma?

IMHO, not DIY. Also not a job for any window company that advertises on
TV or in the Sunday paper. (Their main business is lending money- the
'windows' they sell are just a hook to get you in the tent.) Call a few
real window/door companies and/or general contractors that specialize in
remodeling. They actually know how to do it. It won't be cheap. Only you
can crunch the numbers and decide it the heating/cooling payback, the
tax credit payback, and the presumed small bump in resale value, make it
a financial winner or not.

As to how to find a good company- if there is any new construction in
your town, drive by and see who is putting those windows in. Ask friends
and coworkers who did their last remodel job, and if they are happy with
the work. The good companies don't advertise or have flashy trucks- they
don't need to. They get all the work they want via word of mouth.
--
aem sends...