I'm looking for some advice on window replacement for a late 1800s building my dad is renovating in northern Illinois. The building was converted into a three-unit apartment in the 1920s, and the original windows (or at least what we believe are the originals) need to be replaced. They're quite large at 96"x36". My dad has received quotes from two different companies: one for vinyl single-hung windows with a 24" transom and the other for fiberglass double-hung Marvin Infinity windows, which would require a 4" build-up from the sill to create two nearly four-foot window sashes. The fiberglass option is about 40% more expensive than the vinyl. A rep from the fiberglass company claimed that vinyl windows might only last five years, which seems a bit exaggerated. My dad hopes to get at least ten years out of the vinyl! We're torn between going with the vinyl or the fiberglass—would love to hear any personal experiences or professional opinions!
3 Answers
Just a heads up, if this building is on any sort of historic register, your dad might need to seek some approval before replacing those windows. Where I live, there are grants for certain renovations that could help cover costs, even some interior ones. It might be worth checking out local options.
Honestly, I wouldn’t trust that salesman who says the competitor's vinyl windows only last five years. Sounds like he's just trying to make a sale. If this is a rental, vinyl could be the more practical choice—sometimes you just need something that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Totally agree! That's what I told my dad too—it’s not like he's going to keep this building forever.
I've got Marvin fiberglass windows in my house, and I can vouch for their quality—they're excellent. If you’re really worried about longevity and maintenance down the road, that 40% more might be worth it. But for rentals, cost-effective solutions like vinyl could do just fine too, depending on how long your dad plans to keep it.
Exactly! I’m leaning towards the idea of good enough for rentals, but if it's really a big difference in lifespan, it might be smart to consider all angles.
Good to know! Unfortunately, this place isn’t in a historic district, so we’re not eligible for those grants.