We are ready for the new vinyl single-hung windows, which arrive on Monday. Several hundred pounds of cast-iron counter weights have been removed from the existing windows, as well as the pulleys. The weights could have been left in the wall, but recycling seems to make sense. The biggest challenge was getting the old upper sashes removed, as they were both painted and nailed in place. The inside trim is often left in place in such work, but I removed it for two reasons: to enable making the trim to fit the new windows better, as some of the old windows were significantly racked (probably installed that way originally), and we will remove interior wall surfaces where insulation upgrades and minor electrical upgrades are needed. Determining the presence and quality of existing insulation without undue demolition will take some thinking.
The windows were the first major decision about 'product' for the remodel that we have made. In making that decision, we pondered our overall philosophies regarding the remodel. We more or less agree on the following...
We generally don't plan to go 'bottom of the line' or 'top of the line', on the premise that we want something 'good' and we want something that is a 'good value'. We do go on the premise that this remodel will be the only one that we will do, and we want it to last as long as we remain in the house (they may haul us out of the house eventually in pine boxes). We may go to the high end on a few things that are really important to us, but don't feel that we can or should do that as a general thing. We also want to be 'green' as feasible. I'm also voting for choices that reduce maintenance when it doesn't otherwise compromise what we want.
Stay tuned....film at eleven.
I don't know what I am seeing in the last photo. Sam
ReplyDeleteThose are the pulleys and counter weights that Don took out of the walls. They were part of the double-hung windows. We will donate them to the Re-building center here in Portland. I guess people find other uses for them.
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