Advantage

An advantage to the Window Alternatives process is our restoration does not consider varying degrees of rot on your window. Unlike other companies that may only replace one or two components at a time, we offer a complete restoration of all exterior components regardless of the current decay. From our years of experience, we have seen the benefit of providing a complete frame restoration rather than parts and pieces. Homeowners who have this done will find in time they will continue to repair the same window over and over again because original parts not removed the first time will go bad making that a less economical process in the long run. Our process gives you a fresh start with all new exterior components.

Appearance

We take great care in maintaining the original appearance and profile of your window. This virtually eliminates the hassle of trying to match existing windows with new. Unlike other repair companies, we guarantee your restored window will look just like the others. Your restored window frame will be fully caulked, primed, and ready for paint. 

Materials

We have our own in-house mill to custom shape and cut components to match most common window manufacturers. Our installers bring ready made, pre-primed components to your home and simply cut them to fit. The well spent time in our shop helps our installers complete your work quickly at your home. Unlike the “finger-jointed” material we are removing from your window, we are replacing those components with solid lengths of lumber. We use all white pine and poplar for all of our custom made components. Our brick mould, although still a finger jointed material, is also pre-primed. We have taken steps to offer the highest quality product to our customers and purchase brick mould in bulk and passing those savings on to you. Other companies and some customers often suggest the use of cedar or treated materials. These materials may seem better for exterior use, but are not available in the raw stock dimensions to properly duplicate your window’s profiles. In addition, these materials are not free from knots and often too wet to plane smooth like your windows. The white pine and poplar species are our choice of materials for their workability, availability, and reasonable pricing per board foot. Both materials have an average exterior life expectancy when properly maintained and most importantly, are better material than what we are removing.

With the introduction of synthetic materials in recent years, we are now able to offer PVC composite face frame components.  New manufacturing techniques now allow us to copy original profiles with the composite as well.  Because these materials are plastic based they are impervious to rot and decay for the life of the component.  These composite components combined with our exclusive aluminum wrap process we can offer a life-time warranty on our rot-free product line. 

Process

Our process involves removing all exterior window components from the window frame without pulling the frame from the wall. These components include the brick mould, outer sill, inner sill, and mull dividers if necessary. The only exterior components that may remain are the top brick moulds (on large units only) to maintain stability. Also, half round brick moulds and other radiuses will remain unless specifically noted and charged for replacement due to the added expense of these materials. Any other areas of decay remaining on the frame will be removed to a clean solid surface. Operable sashes are also removed at this time. Our pricing is for window frame restoration only. Some customers may find they have a rotten sash as well. In most cases we are able to “re-skin” the bottom rail of most sashes. This is not a comprehensive repair like the frame and is performed on an as needed basis. Unfortunately some sashes will be beyond reasonable repair. However, we can build you a new sash in our shop for an additional charge.  All new components are installed, and caulked in place. Sashes are then re-installed and adjusted for operation. Please see our page on windows and components for definitions of all these components. 

Our process remains the same for our rot-free conversion but with the addition of an extra step.  Prior to installing the face frame components, the existing window jamb will be wrapped with an aluminum cap to cover any wood that may be exposed to the weather.  This is similar to any other aluminum clad window.  We have adapted this process for a restoration to upgrade your existing window without replacement.