Homeworks Windows
December 27, 2000 - KitchenWorks (HomeWorks) is installing new retrofit double paned windows into my home today. They claim retrofits are the best way to go, in fact might be code now if breaking the moisture barrier can be avoided.
They remove the old window innerds and the new windows sit over the frame. Then the whole thing is stuffed with foam insulation, flanges glued on then the seal is caulked.
One of the windows in the kitchen has a crooked grid, so they will replace that sliding section later. Remind me to schedule that. :)
The front door will be getting new glass as well - I think it will show the most dramatic improvement. I opted for "glue chip" glass. It is etched glass, in a pattern that causes some opacity. The opacity is not as great as I thought it would be, however. Also, one pane of the window is glue chip, the other is clear, something not mentioned to me during the sale. I have opted to put the glue chip pane on the outside as I think it adds a little more curb appeal and the reflections in it are less than those of the clear piece. It would have been nice to have known ahead of time that this was a decision I would have to make.
The workers have been very courteous and tidy, laying down protective mats in the work area and entry way. The work has progressed very quickly, starting at 9am and nearly complete at 2:16pm (as I write this)
Efficiency
Last night I left the heater off and the outdoor thermometer in the family room (aka Florida room, aka enclosed patio) At 7am it was 62 degrees indoors, 40 outside. Tonight I will run the same test and see what data I can acquire. My house has skylights which expel some heat, and I still have a sliding glass door to contend with. Neither the walls nor the flooring is insulated.
Why
Why am I installing new windows? Not to save money, though after my last gas bill this might be a blessing in disquise. Mainly to reduce some road noise (not like we have much at all) and to try and make the house more temperate. Heating dries my sinuses out, AC is just not as efficient as it could be. Why heat/cool when the house can do more of the work naturally? So, we'll see.
Cost
6 windows and the glass on either side of the entry door ran about $7,500. KitchenWorks has their own line of credit (ie expensive credit card) but it does offer 12 month payment/interest deferral with no prepayment penalty. I'll be taking advantage of that (cost is about $340 over cash price)Photos
Below are some before and after pictures. Sorry about the lighting, its tough to shoot a window!
| Office | Before |
After |
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| Living Room | ||
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| Living Room Outside | ||
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| Door | ||
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| Kitchen | ||
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| Kitchen Outside |
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| Back Room Outside | ||
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© Copyright 1997-2002 Steve Riggins. Graphics by Andrew Duncan.
