House Windows, Stucco, Attic insulation etc

[RoninLB]

I installed Hurd low e double pane w/krypton gas w/ Fla tint.

outstanding and heavy to move & install compared to Andersons.

[snowman]

Zeke,

WOW, you explained everything. My house has more than 50% of the walls in windows. So going from cheep windows to really good windows dosen't do much. THats the result I am seeing.

So if you live in so CA or other moderate climates, you will not likely benefit a great deal if you have all the cracks sealed up??

As to wall furnature, thats a good one, a real good one. Gotta love a good salesman.

[Hugh R]

Gotta agree on the energy savings, but the noise and the drafts pushed me to replace the windows on the North side of my house which faces a freeway 1/2 mile away. In my home office where I am now, I used to hear the freeway and now its quiet. The first night I installed a double pane window in my daughter's room she said she was able to sleep without her head getting cold (head of bed up against window). Also the new windows slide open versus having to force the old ones open and closed.

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by RickM
If your house has a ridge vent then be careful investing in a whole house/gable fan. The air that the fan pulls will be through the ridge vent and not from/through the house. An attic fan that resides in your ceiling will fare much better. I'd also add natural or thermosatically controled roof/vent fans as well.

I put a whole house attic fan in my house three years ago and love it. It cut my electric bills by HALF in late spring and fall. I do not turn the A/C on (and I live in Phoenix) until usually July as now the attic fan draws air through the entire house and keeps it cool. It also keeps the attic cool, which reduces the interior temps, so its a win/win situation.

Cost was under $200 and I did the work myself with the help of a friend.

[Brother]

I replaced a low e window on the east side of my house, and it was the single biggest difference to how my bedroom felt by about 9 am. I used to not be able to sleep in because I would get a sunburn. Moving from 20+ year old aluminum single pane windows made a huge difference.

Did it make my bills go down? Not too much. That with an AC upgrade, switching to all flourescents, and other efficiency projects have dropped my bills from year to year.

Probably the only cost effective project would be to the initial build of a house.

[snowman]

Big fans work great. I purchased a 47,000 cfm industrial blade fan, 57" blades and run it at 1/2 to 1/4 speed. Cost $160. It can change the air in the entire 3000sq ft house in just a few minutes on full and keeps the temp in the top of the 30 foot high living room the same as at the bottom. It is very quiet and beleive it or not, even on full tilt, you can only feel a gental change in air, no big woosh. Its quieter and works much better than any overpriced home type fan. The home type fans are worthless as they only move 5 or 6000 cfm on high and are noisey to boot.

[911S Targa]

Thanks everybody for all the helpful and educational tips.

[Vapors]

Get Andersen Windows they have been making windows for over a 100 years, they have a large selection and are well made. Lots of great glass options (sun glass). I have Andersen Windows in my home that are 20 years old and they are easy on the energy bills and no maintenance. The Company has a very good website and stand behind the products a 100%. A saying I heard once, Only the rich can afford cheap windows. Good luck with your project.

[snowman]

I have Pella and think they are equal if not better than Anderson. But in any case both are much much better than most other windows.

On the other hand I have a house in NY that is over 100 years old. With the storm windows installed, I suspect that it is equal if not better than the newest windows on the market.

[RoninLB]

last I looked was 10yrs ago but the Pellas were good quality and offered more decorative than Andersons. My Hurds were the same price range as the Pellas but less decorative and more heavy duty.

[RickM]

I'm a Pella fan. I have a few rooms with Pella sliders and windows where the blinds are contained between the panes of glass. Love them!

Funny enough I have a pic of my whole house gable fan. This think is pretty heavy duty.

[911S Targa]

Ok all who have helped.

My next question is on Front Doors, and side garage doors.

Who is good, or bad ? Lowes/Home Dept ? Somebody else ?

I need to replace my doors, and frames as one unit. Are there any doors strong enough that I dont need to install Iron Bar doors like I have on the house now ? I dont mind them, and I would rather have them as a second barrier to keep people out.But if doors are strong enough,..,.,.,.,.,.,

[RickM]

Originally posted by 911S Targa
Are there any doors strong enough that I dont need to install Iron Bar doors like I have on the house now ? I dont mind them, and I would rather have them as a second barrier to keep people out.But if doors are strong enough,..,.,.,.,.,.,

I'm sure there are strong doors out there.....just bring your checkbook.

Is the "iron bar" door a storm door? They make them out of aluminum, steel, wrought iron.......

[gaijindabe]

Originally posted by 911S Targa

....the house I own here in Vegas. The house was built in 68, and still has all the original products asked above on the house.

I have that sexy 60's house siding on the house, and I plan on ripping it all off.....

This house as is might be worth something one day. Kind of like an unrestored classic!

[911S Targa]

Originally posted by RickM
I'm sure there are strong doors out there.....just bring your checkbook.

Is the "iron bar" door a storm door? They make them out of aluminum, steel, wrought iron.......

Cost isn't an issue, since it will protect whats inside. No, the door isn't a storm door. See pick below (Thru the windshield, you will see the front door)




I just want to limit the ability for somebody to get in.

[911S Targa]

Originally posted by gaijindabe
This house as is might be worth something one day. Kind of like an unrestored classic!

Ya well, its not worth the heating/cooling bills I pay.

[snowman]

Sell the house and buy one in a good part of town. Somewhere that you don't even have to lock the doors. Thats the best answer to the Iron door problem. Thats unless your very very rich. In that case you still leave the doors unlocked, but you have the dogs and security guards to handle the perimeter.

[911S Targa]

Originally posted by snowman
Sell the house and buy one in a good part of town. Somewhere that you don't even have to lock the doors. Thats the best answer to the Iron door problem. Thats unless your very very rich. In that case you still leave the doors unlocked, but you have the dogs and security guards to handle the perimeter.

There is no such area in Vegas these days that you can leave your doors unlocked. I own my home, and feel, nor see any reason to get into paying a mortgage.I'm mortgage free, and love it. I have a chow who takes care of the rear, and sides of the house.I'm far from being rich, but when you see a Pcar, a couple Jags in the drive way, one would think ( the bright criminals) that we might be rich.

My basic question is, who should I use to install new doors ?Lowe's, Home Depot, an independent door company ?

[JeremyD]

I would get a quote from Home Depot or lowes then also look at an independent. Get references. a referral is usually best from someone who has had similiar work done.

I would think LV is similiar to St. Pete - you'll want to get someone who has been in business for more than 5 minutes...

[RickM]

Originally posted by 911S Targa

My basic question is, who should I use to install new doors ?Lowe's, Home Depot, an independent door company ?

You may be best off with a well regarded independent or store that specializes in windows / doors. HD and Lowes use thhird party contractors. From what I've seen some of these guys are not what I would consider top shelf.