Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

I was reading an article on the Downtown Copperhill TN website about window replacement and decided I might tackle this project myself. Although it took longer than expected I am quite pleased and I think the energy savings will be significant. Before I replaced the windows I took a primitive approach to test the old windows. While my approach may not be scientific I put my hand on the window sill and on the glass on a sunny day and it was clear that both surfaces were quite warm compared to my room temperature.

After 3 weeks I finally finished replacing all of the windows in my cabin. This was a major project because I wanted to be sure I followed the manufacturers installation directions so I could get the full benefit of these thermal windows. Now that the windows were replaced I waited until the sun was really fierce and tried “Mary’s thermal check” once again. Wow! The windows were not warm to the touch like before. I am amazed that this could be so different. I knew the aluminum frames on the old windows were an issue with humidity and they allowed hot and cold to pass but not only the vinyl casings but the glass in the new windows is preventing heat from transferring too.

I was concerned that I would be disappointed with vinyl windows but I am pleased with the look. I did spend extra on top quality windows because the ones I saw at the local home improvement store looked as cheap as they were. From a distance the windows I chose could be mistaken for wood. This was a concern because I wanted my cabin to look rustic but charming. The truth is that the the old aluminum windows were quite disgusting and even cheap vinyl windows would have been an improvement.

Overall I am very pleased and I saved enough on labor to afford top quality windows. I give 2 thumbs up to replacement windows.