askjake

Window staining

Rhonda asks:

Jake, I have a dilemna. 

I currently have stained trimwork throughout my house. I didn't care for the look initially, but I painted the walls warm colors that compliment the trim. I now really like the look. The problem is I need replacemeent windows. I cannot find a window, within my price range, that looks good with the stained trimwork. I am considering painting the trim white to patch the white replacement windows. I am worried that I will regret the choice. 

What is your advice?

Jake's answer:

Rhonda,

There are replacement windows made of fiberglass that may work for you.  These can be stained to match most décor.   Check them out at milgard.com. 

If you decide you have to stay with the white vinyl window because of price, I would go ahead and paint the trim white.   You can always try one of the white vinyl replacement windows in a less noticeable space, like a bathroom or laundry room.  Install it and paint the trim, step back and see how you like it.  Of if you don’t want to try the new window, paint one of your existing windows and see how you like it. 

Vinyl is one the least costly ways to replace windows. 

Natural lighting under a porch or deck

Lea asks:

Jake,

I have a home with a full finished basement. My question is how would I put a front porch (I just have a stoop right now) with having basement windows. Do I use lattice to allow light? I have a family room below the living room and I have a bedroom below the upstairs bedroom. I only make $8.80 an hour so I will be doing what I can myself and would like any savings tips. Thank You

Jake's answer:

Lea,

When you build the front porch you will substantially reduce the amount of light you currently have streaming through those windows. Try placing some boards over the window wells to give you an idea of what it might be like.  

Also take into account if the windows serve any kind of emergency exit. A deck over the windows could really hinder egress, either in or out.  

I have seen glass blocks embedded in the deck flooring that is above the windows. Glass block is not that expensive. You will have to get a little creative on how to alter your floor framing to accept the glass block. Good luck!

Removing, while keeping, a window

Question from Marie: 

Hi Jake, 

We are planning to install built in cabinetry in our dining room. In order to do this we will be sacrificing a large 40"x60" window. We would like to panel over the window so you do not see it from the interior, but still see the window from the exterior so that the exterior wall still looks balanced. What can we cover the window with so that the paneling isn't seen from the exterior? I assume we cannot just leave the pleated, honeycomb shade between the new wall of cabinets and the window. What would you suggest? Thanks  

Jake's answer: 

Marie, 

We have covered windows in the manner you are suggesting. We took a pre-finished white board, like melamine (MyWhiteboards.com). On the interior side, you might have to install some cross braces behind the melamine board so the board does not warp. From the exterior, it looks like a shade is drawn. On the interior, remove the window trim and if necessary, install drywall flush with the window jamb. Then install drywall tape at the joints, tape, fill and sand. The down side of doing it this way is if the melamine board, because of heat or moisture, might not perform. If you are in a direct sun exposure, I don’t suggest you do this. Another option is to remove the window, install new siding on the exterior, install window trim as if there is window, then install shutters in between the trim so it looks as if there is a covered window behind the shutters. This will provide the relief you are looking for on the exterior.

Window replacements

Question:  I am replacing the windows on my back porch. One of the windows can con be used because of support beam. Instead of one large window I had to have two small windows. Is it my responsibility to buy an additional window and what will they do with the window they can not use?

Jake's Answer:  I assume you have hired someone to install these windows and during the installations they discovered that the support beam will not allow for one large window.  If that is the case, the answer depends upon the following:

If you hired them to come in replace the windows as they are now, you are responsible for paying for the new windows and you keep the window they can not use.   I know of no one that can look through walls or ceilings and see framing problems. 

If you hired them to do exploratory design work prior to replacing the windows, then they are responsible for the new windows and they keep the window they can not use.

Apparently, who ever built this room did it incorrectly and unfortunately, you, as the homeowner own the house and the deficiencies that come with it. 

Two becomes one

Can two windows become one window.  Brick construction and the wall is baring (sp).

Ruth

Yes, two windows can become one.  In fact, it's much easier than one window to become two.  I'm not certain if you are trying to reduce the size of the window opening so it's not so wide.  If so, then you will need to infill the interior side with drywall and get brick to match on the exterior.  If you are planning on one wide single window, then it's a matter of ordering a new window to fit the ruff opening.  Either way can be a rather difficult job for a remodeling rookie.  Good luck. 

Jake

Condensation on windows

Q:  When we bought our house the sellers told us that the windows were energy efficient.  When it gets really cold outside I notice that there is moisture forming on the inside glass. Why would this be happening?

A:  Thanks for the inquiry.
As you may know, condensation forms when the warm moist air of the house interior meets with the cold outside air. If you feel your windows are pretty air tight then this condensation is probably a result of too high a humidity in the house.  If you have a humidifier on you furnace, you might try adjusting the setting.  If you want an energy technician to asses this problem in more detail, I would suggest you call Mike at the Insulating Professionals, 816-444-4096 Jake