Pamela, there are a lot of window replacement options on the market. It's important to have a window which is designed for your region in the U.S. here is a chart by energy star which contains this info: https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_skylights/key_product_criteria

If one is in your area, see if a local business manufactures windows tailored for your portion of the U.S. Avoid builder grade replacements, and try to work with companies which have been in business for 30+ years who can stand behind the warranties they provide. Always read the fine print, and make sure a remodeler will warranty the installation.

Hi Pamela,

There are many great door & window product lines to choose from.  The most important consideration is the glass package and style.  I recommend consulting with a few glass companies and door/window contractors to help with the decision.  You need to choose your doors and windows based on location - cliamate zone.  Marvin is top of the line, but it is extremely expensive, just like Renewal by Andersen.  I recommend looking at Milgard, Jeld-Win and Andersen (not Renewal).  Good Luck! 

Gregg

Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel

www.murraylampert.com

Fiberglass windows would be a great option for energy efficency. We sell the Infinity by Marvin windows which are amazing!

Like Jim said before, a proper attic insulation will help with lowering your electric bill as well as heat reflective roof shingles and exterior paint, ex. tex-cote. For windows we use Anlin, 100% american made using the newest heat reflective technology. GreenLiving specializes in exterior energy efficient home improvements!

Windows that have a .28 u factor or. Slightly lower, if installed correctly sealing the perimeter with foam are generally adequate for most homes. They will have low -e and argon normally in the csvity between the insulated glass. Now if you want to go for triple glazed glass and low e and Krypton glass, you can get down to .17 u. Generally the additional cost and added weight do not pay for the added expense. You may do well to also add insulation in the attic and make sure you ventilate the soffit and fascia. Heat tends to travel up. Make sure you get a good installer that know s how to insulate and do a quality install. 

Cheri,

Did this just happen three years after installation or could this have been there from the time of installation and you didn't notice.  Sometimes this can happen, especially on older homes that have old wooden windows where the installers use something like a chisel to literally "bust out" the old exterior blind stops on the window when installing replacement windows from the exterior.  The old wood can be very dense and hard to chip off.  The force of hitting on the exterior could cause this type of thing or as someone else said, could have a shim putting pressure against the back side of the interior trim.  You probably would have noticed that kind of damage right away though.

Typically a 70 year old house has already settled so you wouldn't think that was the cause, unless you are having some other kind of structural problems with the home.  If it were water, I would imagine you would see some kind of staining or drips on the interior as well.  

It's really difficult to say, unfortunately.  It could be installation related, but would be hard to say without pulling off the metal wrap on the exterior (assuming they were wrapped) and seeing what is going on.  

I dont really see any water damage. They could have by accident impacted the trim with the shims. Maybe send a pcture of the outside and that should tell us a little more

Hello! I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues with your windows. From viewing your photos, it appears that there is water coming from up above the window. That being said, it could have been from improper installation or just bad windows. 

Please feel free to reach out to us and we can send one of our salemen out to have a look at what's going on with your windows.

Christy

EntryPoint Doors and Windows

5018 Bristol Industrial Way Suite 209

Buford, GA 30518

770-904-0094

Hello Aleric,
This is a great question as we get this all the time. Let's compare the two

Design
Vinyl windows are more attractive and has more options for finishes, but they are thicker than aluminum.

Aluminum has a thinner frame that give it a modern look.

Durability
Vinyl Windows are durable and don't dent easily.

Aluminum windows are a little better at resisting to scratching and cracking, but they do dent easily.

Energy efficiency
Vinyl Windows are better period. They are specifically designed to provide the very best in energy efficiency.

Aluminum Windows are like radiators, when it's hot outside, it will bring in the heat inside the rooms. It goes the same for the cold weather. Yes, Southern California has pretty much nice weather year around, but think about it's one of those times when it gets super hot or super cold. You can keep your condo at a comfortable level without having to use an air conditioner or turning on the heater.

Thermal Breaks
Vinyl windows is the best in thermal breaks. It minimizes heat transfer from the outside to the inside rooms.

Modern aluminum windows come with thermal breaks that are made of vinyl. It does help in making them a little more energy efficient, but overall vinyl beats it.


Cost
Vinyl windows are a better value and less expensive than aluminum.

Another benefit of vinyl windows is the noise reduction. They are more effective than aluminum. Something you might take into consideration if you live by a busy area. Of course every homeowner is different but overall vinyl windows are better in many situations. Here is a blog giving better details on the difference. Hope this helps https://www.sandiegobestwindows.com/blog/vinyl-vs-aluminum-windows/

Hi Aleric Stone,

We are a vinyl window replacement company located in Ontario, Canada. Of course, our weather is much different than that of California. I can however tell you a few pros and cons with Vinyl vs. Aluminum. 

Aluminum windows are well known for being lightweight and overall, very durable. Since they're aluminum, they are very malleable. Meaning they can really be tailored for almost any frame shape you can think of. Vinyl windows, however, carry the same qualities but are significantly better insulators. So when the temperatures in California get on the hotter side you can crank your A/C up and the cold air will stay in and the hot, outside air will remain outside. The Polyvinyl Chloride, otherwise known as PVC does not require painting, meaning maintenance is kept to the absolute minimum.

Not to mention, vinyl windows are significantly cheaper than aluminum options.  You'll find that vinyl windows are much more popular in home builds and less popular in commercial. Aluminum is undoubtably much more popular in commercial builds, and less frequently seen in home renovation. 

In the end, my suggestion would be vinyl - all the way!

If you have any further questions, pelase feel free to reach out, spotter@brockwindows.com.

They are definitely measured differently.  The insert window you would measure inside the existint window frame, which in most cases is built out of 3/4" lumber all the way around.  For a full replacement window, you can remove the interior casing and include that frame within your measurement.  In regards to our answer, better late than never.  If this process becomes a pain in the "sash" simply consult a professional.  Make it a great day!