"John Albert" wrote in message
. com...
Hello all...

I've got an old house, built in 1911. It still has the original windows.

I'm having the roof replaced, and the guy who's going to do it does
windows/siding as well.

Like everyone else I've talked to, he offered vinyl replacement windows.

My question is:
Why always vinyl for windows?

I've looked around at them, and have never been impressed by their
construction or quality. They just look "cheap" to me.

What makes them better?
Or -- is it just about "cheaper"?

If I was going to have the windows done, I'd probably want something like
Pella "450" series -- that is, basic wooden windows with aluminum
cladding on the outer surfaces.

The wooden windows in this house are old, and yes, in need of
replacement. But somehow they lasted 100 years. Will vinyl replacements
have similar longevity?

_Most_ of the time, vinyl replacements go inside of existing frames. In
other words, the sashes come out of the existing frames, the original
frames stay put. (Notice, the word "MOST")

If you want a complete window with new frames, the labor involved can be
tremendous, depending what type of siding needs removed for the install.
Also, you _may_ have to have a custom built window & frame depending if
your existing rough opening can not be matched up with _stock_ windows.
Which, can mean additional work on the exterior, as well as the interior.

Many people go for the most bang for your buck, unless you have unlimited
funds.