For starters, don't buy replacement windows for your home. That is, unless your old windows are beyond repair. If you need someone to restore your antique windows I suggest you contact my friend David if you happen to live in the Southland. I've worked for David in the past and can promise you that MOST antique windows can be restored cheaper than they can be replaced.

If you must replace your windows then I recommend you buy the best wooden windows money can buy. Most contractors will say I'm wrong but that is because they don't know how to build and repair windows. Building and repairing windows is very different from replacing windows. Forget aluminum and vinyl clad windows because they're crap. And if you don't believe me then before you buy those replacement windows make sure your contract states in writing that single panes of glass can be replaced without replacing an entire sash or entire window because when you have to shell out hundreds of dollars to replace a window pane that only costs $4.oo you'll understand why I say they're crap.

All the years of energy efficient savings that the salesman claims you will save from those aluminum or vinyl clad windows will go straight down the crapper the first time some kid tosses a rock or hits a home run through that 4 dollar piece of glass.

And as far as energy efficiency goes; Good fitting wooden windows with properly installed storm windows are more energy efficient than double or triple pane glass will ever be.

I've been collecting old windows and salvage lumber others throw away ss part of a green room project for my home and this morning I began the process of dismantling several dozen old windows. Among them were several aluminum and vinyl clad windows and in some of them it is impossible to remove the glass without breaking it and others require the sashes to be destroyed in order to remove the glass. If you've ever dismantled and repaired old windows then you'll know what I mean. Soon, I'll have a new green room and all I'll need buy is paint.